Suzzy thinks I should talk about the weather. Funny really, that's all we're talking about in real life over here, and yet I've been struggling to find the words to write about it on my blog. Not that I haven't tried, but I just don't know what to say. Sorry Suzzy - it's not that I don't care - it's that I care too much.
Right now, there are flood warnings in four Australian States.
75% of the State of Queensland is under water. That's an area twice the size of Texas, four times the size of Japan, and six times the size of the UK. 15 people are dead and another 61 are missing. 100,000 homes in the State Capital, Brisbane, are without power. 26,000 homes are affected by the water and another 5000 businesses.12, 000 homes are completely flooded - up to their roofs. Whole towns are being evacuated. My friend, Ruby's city of Rockhampton has been flooded for more than a week.
Closer to home down here in Victoria, the Avoca River that runs through our Peaceful Town has broken its banks for the third time since last September's floods. It is currently at 7 metres and is expected to peak sometime tomorrow morning. I feel somewhat despondent as I consider the damage another inundation will do to our beautiful garden and to the structure of our Peaceful Home, and yet the are so many people so much worse off than we are.
Our God is an awesome God, isn't he? The floods and the rains are completely out of the control of man, but Luke 8 tells us that even the winds and water obey him. As we pray that people will be kept safe (and, selfishly, that our home might be spared) we need to also pray that people might recognise the mighty power of our great God.
Behind all the loss and heartbreak the all Australians are feeling right now is his merciful hand. We may not understand why, but it is all part of his wonderful plan.
And that is where I gain my comfort.
In him.
Oh dear, Jeanne! I hope your place is spared from the damaging waters this time.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to know what to say. What I want is to help people who've lost everything, but how? I should pray about that.
Whilst we're thankful to live far from danger, our hearts are with those we know, and those we don't know, in the midst of it all. I admire the courage of the people I've heard about, and the determination of leaders and communities to get stuck into the cleanup.
Praying for you and your town,
Vanessa
Let us know if there is anything we can do.
ReplyDeleteIt's times like this that I'm glad I read blogs. I don't think I've heard about this in the news. Of course, I'm not very "connected", but your post got my attention in a way the news wouldn't have.
Praying for your safety and the safety of your neighbors.
Ah, Jeanne, your heart was never doubted here. Even the thought to pray for others elsewhere in the world while in the midst of your homeland's (and home's) catastrophe speaks for that and not against it.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, there will be treasure in the tragedy, that is for sure. Our God is sovereign (Ps. 115:3) and He will be glorified.
X's and O's with our continued prayers...
Jeanne, we watched with horror the TV reports of Queensland's flooding. As ridiculous as it sounds, both Himself and I feel like we know -- in a manner of speaking -- Australia after having "visited" it by reading Bryson's _In a Sunburned Country_. And of course my thoughts were of you and yours, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am praying that Victoria is spared, indeed that all other areas are spared this flooding. But I am also praying that God's mercy will be revealed in whatever way he chooses to manifest it, even as peace that surpasses all understanding and courage in the face of terrifying events. For Queenslanders, courage in the face of seemingly overwhelming circumstances.
God will never let us go, praise his holy name.
Jeanne: there is good in this. Our river systems are being flushed ~ dealing with salt & algae problems that the long dry created. The dams are full to bursting. The devestation is terrible & the loss of life tragic but we see such a small part of the overall plan . We have friends in one of the worst areas & family in the outlying suburbs but I'm with Job ~ Though he slay me, yet will I trust in the Lord. Blessings. I hope the water stays from your door this time round.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and praying for you and your family too, Jeanne. You couldn't have said it any better - God IS in control. Easy for me to say, I know, but it must be said because it is the truth. There are other floods around the world too - hundreds killed in Pakistan and in Brazil from mudslides. They will not get the help the Aussies will give eachother.
ReplyDeleteKeep looking up!
love from New Zealand,
Rachael.
This is something that just leaves you speechless. Like you said we just hold on to God's promises and trust Him wholeheartedly. Love to you! xxx
ReplyDeleteI think you did a wonderful job of wording a post about the weather. The comparrison of the size of the lands dessimated by flooding is effective and gave me an idea of how widespread it is. I have family in Toowoomba and Nth of Brisbane, but they have lost little compared to some. Thanks Jeanne
ReplyDeleteStay safe Jeanne and family. May God spare your township and your own property.
ReplyDeleteIt brought tears to my eyes to read these faith filled responses, ladies. Like Ganeida, we will stand with Job and the "heroes of the faith" and place our trust in our great God.
Love you Jeanne - I admire your ability to write about it and I do hope and pray your home is spared too.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jeana
Stay safe and dry....there is a reason for everything, we just don't always kmow what and why.
ReplyDeleteThinking and praying for you and your family.
Jeanne, my daughter-in-law who lives in NSW sent me to you blog. I live in Texas and it is mind boggling to think how much area is flooded in Queensland. We have heard a little of what is happening there in the news. I really appreciate your attitude that God is in control. The Lord knows what is best and what will get people's attention to come back to Him. It is very heart warming to know that He has people every where who are faithful to Him. May you have His peace and be able to share it with somebody today.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for the people who are hurting because of the flooding.
Jeanne I came here this morning to check up on you as I heard about your town last night on the news. Praying for you and your peaceful home. I pray that it won't be flooded again. Btw, this was a GREAT post!
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