As a child growing up in Trinbago, I remember reading a prolific classic ‘A year in San Fernando-‘When the rains came’ by Michael Anthony. I never actually read it in entirety, but by spending my teenage years in San Fernando I always felt that I was a part of history. After all, I was born in San Fernando General Hospital. I wrote this preamble as I reflected on the recent flooding that was experienced yesterday in the Ft. Lauderdale area. I personally experienced it driving along Broward Boulevard. It looked like someone’s prayer for rain was answered and it was multiplied with excessive showers of blessings.

No one was left untouched by this deluge. From jalopy to Lamborghini, the homeless and those with homes, the affluent and their opposites, the haves and the have nots, the nationals and immigrants, every strata of society was affected. It takes me to Matthew 5:45 “God rains on both the just and the unjust.” And as the rain continues to create havoc to many, through it all of all James 1:2:3 says, “My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

What! Yes count it all joy! If you have been affected in some way or another, at least you are alive to talk about it. These are valuable lessons where great insight can be gained as God gets our attention once more. Lesson number 1. We are not in control; He is. Those who are still stranded in the Ft. Lauderdale airport are not sure when the airport will reopen as I write this blog. They now have to depend on something greater than themselves to get through this. With all the money and accolades, your earthly treasures are under attack and simultaneously under the control of the mighty hand of God. You thought you had it all figured out. Didn’t you? Lesson number 2: In this moment of ones greatest need, although you have hardened your hearts like Pharoah, you are now at the mercy and grace of the same Almighty God that you have been rejecting for ages because you wanted to do your own thing. Lesson 3: Count it all joy that you have been exposed to ‘who you are not’ by this watery trial, and that everyone needs a savior. Even you! God is not a respecter of persons. Submit and repent under the mighty hand of God and he will lift you up in due course. Give in or cave in!

But do not panic if you are not a Believer in Jesus Christ, because scripture lets us know that nothing happens without God’s permission, and everything is happening for your good. Proverb 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” God does not make mistakes. As Moses said in Exodus 14:13, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” God knows exactly what He is doing.

Have a great day in the Lord.

From the desk of Dr. Andy Ansola