God Has Done Great Things Series

first that we were alright,

thanksgiving that some of you rushed to our aid at the hospital while others prayed,

thanks that the other driver was not hurt,

gratitude that we had uninsured motorists protection,

thankful that our car was designed to protect us,

grateful that our air bags went off,

thankful that we had an extra car…the list went on and on.

God had done a great thing…He had protected us.

But then a question floated into my mind….God, why didn’t you PREVENT this accident from happening?

I wonder if Stephanie’s family asked the same question in her accident…I wonder if Gene and Andrea asked that question as well.

But then God led me to a passage of scripture that put my mind to rest.

In the book of Isaiah chapters 36-37, I came across the account of when Sennacharib, King of Assyria’s invaded Israel and Judah and how he surrounded Jerusalem and threatened to conquer the city under King Hezekiah.

I imagine that the Jews in Jerusalem are wondering why God is allowing this invading army to get so close to the city.

They are probably wondering why God isn’t giving their army victory.

They are fasting and praying and wondering why their doom seems at hand.

Then something miraculous happens. The first biological weapon of mass destruction is released against the Assyrian camp and 185,000 soldiers are killed. So the king of Assyria leaves and goes back to Assyria and Jerusalem is spared.

What is the attitude of the Israelites at that point? How do they feel?

Are they still wondering why God “allowed” the King of Assyria to attack them…or are they now focused upon their miraculous deliverance?

Are they focused upon themselves or upon God?

Of course, they are looking at God who has revealed Himself by providing for them at just the right moment.

They are worshipping Him!

During the War of 1812: Fall of 1814, British troops move toward DC. The young US soldiers cannot repel them and cannot stop them.

People are evacuating DC, praying for deliverance.

The very thought that after 35 years of freedom that the nation might return to captivity is terrifying!

The British burn DC mercilessly, the capital, the white house, every single govt. building but the post office.

Then the unimaginable happens. The strongest hurricane ever to hit the East coast strikes at the moment that DC is burning, extinguishing the flames.

Then, as if the very hand of God had reached down in indignation...tornadoes strike the occupying British troops and kill more than the defending army had.

The British retreat from DC, battered and worn...not from battle but from what insurance companies used to call an "Act of God."

The History Channel’s account remains secular, but I try to imagine what the reaction of President Madison and the residents of DC was after witnessing this event.

There must have been a certain feeling of doom and hopelessness they would have experienced as they watched the city burn...even with faith, they had to be discouraged.

They had to be asking…why hasn’t God protected us? Where is God when we need His help?