GOD’S HAND OF MERCY

Between the evening of September 14 and the morning of September 15, 2023, Bermuda was affected by the tropical winds of Hurricane Lee. With most of the population following the guidelines set out by the government and the Bermuda Police Service, people stayed off the streets and, in their homes, or place of work. Let us take a moment to celebrate all Essential Services who had a part to play in the safety of the people of Bermuda. But most of all, let us take a moment to thank God for covering us from the full force of the storm. 

Today, many will spend the day cleaning up, and others will attend to the care of the people of the island. In reflection, at 4:00 am this morning, I ask the Lord what lessons can we learn from Hurricane Lee, and the tropical force winds on the island of Bermuda? In my morning devotion with my family, the LORD said, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole." Job 5:17, 18. 

Then He said, "I do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. I have my purpose in the whirlwind and in the storm, in the fire and in the flood. I, the Lord, permit calamities to come to my people to save them from greater dangers. I desire everyone to examine their own heart closely and carefully, and then draw near to me the LORD, that I may draw near to you. Your life is in the hands of me. I see dangers threatening you that you cannot see. I am the giver of all your blessings; the provider of all your mercies; the orderer of all your experiences. I see the perils that you cannot see. 

At times, I may permit to come upon you that which fills your hearts with sadness, because I see that you need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. I know your frame and remember that you are but dust. Even the very hairs of your head are numbered. 

I the LORD of all the universe work through natural causes to lead my people to remember that I have not forgotten them, but that I desire of them to forsake the way which, if were permitted to follow unchecked and unreproved, would lead them into great peril. So I permit trials to come their way. These trials come to all in different ways to lead everyone to investigate their hearts and to see if they are purified from all that defiles them. 

Constantly I the Lord am working for your present and eternal good... Every soul that is saved must be a partaker with Christ of His sufferings, that they may be a partaker with Him of His glory. How few understand why the LIVING GOD subjects them to trial. It is by the trial of your faith that you gain spiritual strength." 

My friend, The Lord seeks to educate His people to lean wholly upon Him.... Let everyone examine his own course of action. Let everyone ask themself whether they are meeting the standard that God has placed before them. Can we say from the heart, I lay aside my own will? “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”? Psalm 40:8. 

Do you ask daily, “Lord, what is thy will concerning me?” May we answer these questions with a true heart today, and submit our will, to the will of God fully! May the peace of the Lord go with you, and may you find favor, and comfort in His word today.