Two Typhoons
The Philippines was struck by not one but two typhoons in recent days. Last week, Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 230 people in the country before also claiming at least five lives in Vietnam. On Monday, Typhoon Fung-wong killed at least 18 in the Philippines and now threatens Taiwan. Both storms contained intense wind, torrential rain, and widespread flooding. More than a million people are displaced, and many of them are facing a prolonged rebuild or permanent relocation.
Analysis and eternal perspective: This story adds a tremendously tragic tenor to the phrase, “when it rains, it pours.” One devastating typhoon is more than many of us will experience in a lifetime. For two significant typhoons to make landfall so near to each other and within such a short window of time is particularly devastating.
The days (and weeks, months, and years) ahead will involve significant rebuilding and cleanup, and the people of the Philippines will need assistance long after they are no longer in the headlines. We as The Equipped community should be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and should look for ways to sustain those who are recovering. If you partner with a trusted disaster response organization, that may be a good way to tangibly respond to this story.
On a spiritual level, let this story be a reminder to build your life on the Rock of Jesus Christ that it might withstand the storms of this life!
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matt. 7:24-25).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.