Most of us are quite capable of handling the small crises of our daily life. Interruptions of all kinds, accidents, illnesses, unexpected expenses-we plan and prepare and are rather proud of our ability to cope with it all.
But what happens when catastrophe comes?
When the dam broke on Lower Price Lake near Reno, Nevada, Tim Miller said, "I saw a wall of mud at least ten feet higher than the sixteen foot house. I don't think I ran more than twenty feet when it came over me. I couldn't breath as I was being swept down in the mud. I called to the Lord."
In Aptos, California, a violent storm destroyed ten homes along the coast. Celeste Goscila, trapped in a collapsing house, said: "I was pinned against the wall; I don't know how I got out. I said a prayer."
A British jetliner with more than 200 passengers was over the Indian Ocean when all four engines, choked with volcanic ash, stalled. Australian passenger Gary Middleton said: "Everybody was petrified. There was no noise. By the time we pulled out... just about every body was on their knees praying."
These are only three examples of people face to face with disaster—unexpected, overwhelming disaster. We, too, can at any time be brought face to face with the realities of life and death, with forces beyond our control, with circumstances where it is useless to call for help from family or friends. There are times when no human being is able to help.
Then what is the universal reaction? "O God, save me!" This is very much like the Apostle Peter when he began to sink beneath the waves calling: "Lord, save me!"
There may have been no time for God in the past, no thought or care for Him, but when catastrophe comes, "Lord, save me!" Beneath all the veneer of sophisticated civilization the heart knows that "Help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Then why wait until "the moment of truth," the last frantic seconds of desperation when death stares one in the face? There are times when death comes instantaneously, when there is not time for even one heartfelt cry for help. What then?
Wouldn't it be wise to be prepared for whatever may come, no matter how sudden it may be? Knowing that disaster may strike at any time, in any place, why not "prepare to meet thy God" now? Why not "acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace"? "Peace of mind" is often offered in insurance ads, but this is real peace, real insurance, and that for all eternity.