They had come in droves. Their purpose: to worship God. A Christian band was
leading the way. With three fabulous records and with most songs written as a
prayer to God, Starfield has touched the heart of millions of youth. The
youngsters were excited. They were jumping up and down, hands stretched out in
adoration towards the One that had sacrificed His life for them. They had no
idea what would happen next.
Suddenly, the floor in front of the stage of that church in Abbotsford, British
Columbia, Canada, started to ripple, and before anyone realized it, the floor
caved in. The gap left in the floor measure 25' x 25'! Pews, along with the
worshippers who had occupied them, fell into the void, to find themselves
interwoven in a mess of broken water pipes and spraying water.
More than forty people ended up in that unfinished basement that night, all of
them uninvited. Some were dazed, some were hurt, and all were filled with panic.
The rest of the building quickly emptied. Only a few stayed behind to help those
who were hurt. Tim and Jon Neufeld, members of Starfield, didn't hesitate to
jump into the hole in front of them to assist those in need. Youth pastors also
joined the ranks to assist wherever help was needed. Miraculously, though
several received serious injuries, no one was killed.
This incident made many realize that security is but an illusion of this world.
If church floors can cave in, if planes can crush you into oblivion, if school
shootings can occur, if drunk drivers may mistake you for a road and drive onto
you, if hospitals think you don't need all of your organs, if your gas begins to
leak at home, then anything can occur!
Families are not what they used to be! Divorce is rampant. Kids are either being
ignored, abused, or neglected, and disrespect reigns in our homes. Some, if not
most, of our churches have turned into lukewarm social clubs, where money is
stressed, but people's needs are being ignored. Where can one find true love?
A sign of the times?
Absolutely: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow
cold… then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the
world until now-and never to be equaled again." (Matt 24:12, 21 NIV)
Where can one find security?
Only in God's promises: "Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your
servant loves them." (Ps 119:140 NIV)
And this is what He promises you: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age." (Matt 28:20 NIV)
"I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place
for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where
I am." (John 14:2-3 NIV)
Not only did Jesus promise to be with us throughout our turbulent times, He also
guarantees us that He will be preparing a safe place for us, and that He will
come back for us! And this place is a place where sorrow and insecurities are
unknown! "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
(Rev 21:4 NIV)
The best part is, God keeps all of His promises! These promises are assured! No
wonder we are encouraged to stand firm! We know the outcome no matter what
happens: "He who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matt 24:13 NIV)
In the meantime we can find peace and rest in Jesus: "Come to me, all you who
are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28 NIV)
Insecurities are here to stay, temporarily anyway. But it will all change when
Jesus comes back for us! What great news to share with those who have
difficulties falling asleep!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.