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What to do After the Tsunami
by Dr. Jimmy Hassan
In a few hours the tsunami caused so much destruction that it will take us years to reconstruct and repair. During this process it showed us many things that were hidden before. The tsunami took ceilings off and destroyed walls and houses, revealing to us that the material things do not last. Many houses used to look very strong and pretty but the wave’s force demonstrated to us that they were not as strong as we thought they were.
And, what about us?
The tsunami also showed us a lot about those who surround us. Some people went immediately to help their neighbors, to clean and to reconstruct. Others helped themselves to things that belonged to their neighbors. Some looked around and cried because the tsunami had destroyed their possessions. Others looked around and thanked God because he saved their lives and their dear ones. Some acknowledged the situation and helped to improve things. Others saw the damages and soon they began to blame the builders, they also criticized the government, the help agencies, or even cursed God and whoever crossed their path.
Thousands gave away food, clothes, time and money to help the needy ones. Others took away all the food they could from the distribution sites. Many were helpful with others in the streets, but others wanted to be first in everything without showing concern about anything or anybody. Some became paralyzed by fear or the thought of starting over.
Others went back to alcohol, pornography, and drugs as a way to avoid their frustration and pain. Many of us took our frustration against our family or against whatever crossed our way. Yes, the tsunami showed us a lot about us and about those who surround us.
Is the tsunami guilty?
The truth is that the tsunami is not guilty of what people are doing. It did not force anybody to criticize, to abuse or to take revenge on others. The waves only took away the ceilings of life of many people and it showed to us what truly is within us. Beneath the clothes and properties we saw very ugly attitudes and reactions of many people. The disaster revealed the cheap material and the ordinary work that there is in much of what we see.
Blame the tsunami
Few people escaped the tsunami. The water gave you and me a true vision of what we are. It showed us that we all are equal. When the times are good, we convince ourselves that we are good. We are patient, generous and comprehensive; but when the crisis of the tsunami hit, we did things that hurt others. We failed to them and we reacted in ways that do not make us feel good.
Yes, the tsunami also destroyed the walls of our lives. Many things that we saw were not good. We want to say that the crisis made us impatient, full of criticisms and plenty of fear. But we know that this is not the best thing to do and also we know that this is not going to solve our problems, it only covers them. The next time that another tragedy comes along the anger and the envy will return.
We can do it
The Bible shows us that our weaknesses, our angers, fears and jealousy (which the Bible calls sin) will destroy our life, our families and our relationships with others. Worse still, the Bible shows us that something greater than the tsunami is going to come.
One of these days, God himself will take off our own ceilings. This will happen to every person in this world. He will see everything that every person has done and he will compare it with his own standards and any fault or failing against his rules will be deemed to eternal condemnation.
We all know deep inside that our life will not pass the test. The standard of God is perfection and there is none among us who reach it. The Bible says that nobody is perfect, NOBODY.
The way to be saved
But there is somebody who understands our problem and can give the solution to us. His name is Jesus. Above everything, Jesus showed us how to build a life that fulfills the code of God. He showed us what it means to love our neighbor, and even our enemies. He taught us how to be patient and friendly with others. The life of Jesus passed the test. He faced the crisis of being criticized and being attacked by his enemies, soon was accused falsely, struck and unjustly sentenced to a cruel death. Jesus passed the test without demonstrating any weakness.
Jesus knew that to give an example to us, it was not sufficient to solve the problem. So he did something more; something extraordinary. Jesus paid for us. He paid because we did not to live according to the code of God. He had to die to do it. He died so that you and I did not have to suffer in hell for our sins. Soon Jesus was resurected, and returned to give a new life to us.
Jesus wants to clear the anger, the jealousy, and the fear that has been ruining your life, your family and your loved ones. More than that, Jesus wants to make you a new person, somebody that has peace without concern about the circumstances, somebody that is generous and still gives under pressure, somebody that still has patience with their spouse and children after a long day of work.
Jesus can reconstruct your life starting from the inside and working outwards. But He is hoping that you admit that you need aid and you allow him to do it. Do it right now. The following prayer shows you how:
Jesus, I realize that I have hurt others and I have sinned against God. I need to change my life. Thanks for dying for my sins, forgive me please. Make me a new person. Give me your patience and your love for others. Thank you for hearing my prayer.
If you do this prayer right now trust that Jesus is going to answer you. He will not abandon you.
Beginning again
Once you invite to Jesus to enter your heart, your life will begin to change. You will see a change in your life as you lose your anger and jealousy and it is replaced by His patience and love. To ask Jesus to enter your life is the first step. As you know Jesus more, the more changes you will see in your life. The gospel of Saint Luke in the New Testament speaks about how to know Jesus better. One more thing: if you fall, do not let it discourage you. Ask God to forgive you and help you to live according to his principles.
If you would like more information about how to reconstruct your life and the lives of your family, please contact us. We are here to help you.
Dr. Jimmy Hassan, Campus Crusade for Christ, Nicaragua (Used by permission.)