Saturday, February 17, 2024

 We embarked on a journey towards the southern region where our modular home was situated, fully aware of its impending demolition. However, our progress was impeded as the streets were congested, thus preventing us from accessing the designated area. Consequently, we redirected our course towards the residence of my in-laws. The security measures put in place by the national guard were rigorously enforced in the barricaded zones. Psalm 29, a profound poetic depiction of the extensive devastation caused by the tempest's departure from the urban landscape in utter tranquility, captivated my thoughts during the serene night devoid of electricity and filled with a distinct hush. It dawned upon me that amidst the elimination of all worldly comforts, a conducive environment for prayer and reflection had been effortlessly orchestrated by our Father. In this dire situation, solace was solely derived from a divine presence that had unequivocally revealed itself through the historic storm.

During my formative years, I came to understand that when a significant event orchestrated by a divine force occurs, it signifies an overwhelming desire on the part of God to bestow blessings that surpass our comprehension. God has the capacity to disrupt a city's normalcy in order to shower His cherished children with His benevolence. In my quest for knowledge, I delved into accounts of local individuals who, facing dire circumstances, found themselves compelled to offer heartfelt prayers. In studying the Psalms, I discovered that it is a profound testament to God's munificence when He disrupts a corrupt society. This deliberate act serves as a means to reunite humanity, in a creative fashion, with the covenant established during the process of creation.


After enduring a two-week wait to gain access to our residence, we were confronted with a scene resembling a war zone throughout the entire city. The violent storm had ravaged the majority of the trees, resulting in our home being completely leveled. However, this unfortunate circumstance rendered us eligible for a loan with an incredibly minimal interest rate. In light of this, we collectively decided to explore the possibility of relocating to a neighboring exclusive community constructed with wood framing. The challenge, however, was that we found ourselves competing financially with affluent investors. Fortunately, through divine intervention, we were introduced to an individual who was ardently seeking to sell his house, despite its unstable roof, to a young couple such as ourselves. In an act of humble faith, we offered him the sum of our loan, wholeheartedly trusting that God would provide the necessary funds for us to rebuild. Although he had been presented with a higher offer from a private investor, he graciously chose to sell us the modest dwelling. In the end, we were able to acquire this property for a mere fraction of its market value, even though it resided within a well-guarded neighborhood.I failed to recognize the divine providence at play when God graciously granted us the opportunity to serve others in the coming days. Andrew, a once-in-a-generation storm, brought unprecedented devastation to the United States after two decades, prompting private insurance companies to offer $50,000 relief checks to affected homeowners. Consequently, many residents chose to sell their damaged properties and flee the affected region.

Upon acquiring the private residence, we decided to discontinue our involvement with the local church where we were married, instead opting to faithfully attend a reformed Baptist church. Engaging in deep contemplation of the psalms, I underwent a transformative shift in my fundamental theological beliefs, wholeheartedly embracing historical Calvinism within the confines of the new church. To our pleasant surprise, we discovered that the church intended to provide us with financial assistance for the purpose of rebuilding our home. Furthermore, an elder, who happened to own a drywall company, generously offered to personally oversee the wall finishing as a gesture of goodwill. It is through these remarkable experiences, stemming from my enduring fascination with the psalms, that I have come to truly appreciate the profound supernatural forces at work.

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