Empty and Full at the same time...

As I sit here pondering what this destruction of life in Thailand as I know it means, I think that what I can't know, or understand is the depth of what has happened. For although yes many buildings have been destroyed and things have been taken, the reality of it is that people did this. People, made in the image of a perfect and loving creator have destroyed things, because their desires and their lives have allowed them to not think past themselves. Now as I look through the aftermath of pictures and check on facebook and sift through what is real or not, I have to wonder where is Thailand going? For I want, hope and pray that this creates in God's people here in this country a need, a desire and more than that a movement towards Him. A movement to bow before Him and proclaim Him as Lord of all. My heart sinks at the utter despair that I see as I walk out on the streets. I have not left our little "safe haven" area but the Thai people that I have run into I can just see it in their looks in their eyes and more than that in the way that there seems to just be this underlying silence.

There are no words to describe the pain that the past two months has brought. There are no words to describe the hurt and fear that has been trapped inside of every single person, child and leader in this country. For it is not just about the buildings, or the fires but it is about the people. The utter hatred that they feel to be able to sit for weeks or the utter hatred for those that have been standing on top of buildings and shooting those below. Which side is right? Probably no side is completely right...for perfection is not something that we can obtain on Earth.

As I ponder and pray I reminded that this is what imperfect people with our imperfect desires bring to the table everyday. We choose ourselves over those around us. We give in to our thoughts, wants and needs instead of looking across at who is standing before us and the hurt that is deep inside of them. I am thankful for this time, I am thankful for what God is doing, even if I am unsure of the results.

Even now I find myself asking...is it really over? The peace that seems to have taken hold of the streets is this really it? Can we really relax now?

Then I remember...I have to relax and rest because God is the one in control. He is the one that I rely on, my strength when I am weak. He is perfection, love and the Victory. What I need to do, is hope in Him and pray. Pray for revival....pray for these people and love them.