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[Hebrews 13:5; John 10:10]; Deuteronomy 11:1-28; II Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 3:1-12; II Corinthians 13:5; Hebrews 12:1-13; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5; I John 4:11-21; Titus 2:11-13; II Thessalonians 1:1-7

Does God hate Florida? The short answer is “No!” We know from the Word of God that God loves His people and promises He will never leave us nor forsake us. So why four hurricanes in six weeks? The map shows three of the four slicing through Central Florida. Ivan moved through the Panhandle but circled around, went north and came back through Central Florida, dumping more unneeded rain.

We understand from the Bible that God’s arch enemy, the Devil, is also the Christian’s adversary. The devil is the author of destruction, oppression, sickness and death. Jesus tells us the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. But he cannot do his evil unless allowed. God is all light, in Him is no darkness at all. He is not the author of confusion, but of decency and orderliness. These are very basic Biblical truths as is the freedom of will God grants to every individual. He promises His blessings to all those who walk in the light of His Word. At the same time, God tells us in no uncertain words that the opposite applies to those who walk away from Him. In rejecting God, we reject His protection — in freely walking away from His ways and Word, we cut ourselves from His blessings.

What does the Lord require when His people do walk away from Him? God wants His people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. We would do ourselves a great injustice to shrug off the terrible storms and what they have wrought because the worst is over. Perhaps some have received funds from FEMA and have money in the bank and now say, “Who needs God?” We should ask ourselves why such things happen? II Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to examine ourselves. This is a great time to take a healthy look at one’s own life and evaluate. Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? We must remember that we are God’s people and can turn from our wicked ways in order to see His healing hand!

Four years ago, elections were held in Florida, where we experience racism and hate. With God there is no color, race, or gender. In the same manner in which prejudices are taught, so the truth of God’s Word must be taught. We must examine our hearts to make sure there is no root of bitterness or prejudice regarding another man.

We need healing in our state. We have had enough. We should acknowledge that when things happen of this magnitude, something is not right. Let us then humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways. We can then be part of the solution and not the problem.