We need to understand in the midst of the turmoil that we see, whether it’s terrorist activity at home or abroad, earthquakes, extensive flooding, raging fires or our own unique set of difficult circumstances, that God is in the process of shaking everything that can be shaken in the physical realm (Hebrews 12:25-27).

And why is He shaking the physical? Because we are physical beings, living in a physical world, and, often, regrettably, very attached to physical things. Ultimately, He is shaking all that can be shaken in US so that we might increasingly build our house upon the rock of His word, rather than the shifting sands of this world’s system (Matthew 7:24-27).

The funny thing about natural disasters is they take the sentimentality out of decision making. Prior to Charley, we had a beautiful old live oak leaning and creating a huge, lush canopy over our house. It was half rotted at the base and we knew at some point it would have to be removed. A tall, stately, native East Palatka Holly sat in close proximity. A dead laurel completed the trio. Whenever fierce winds blew, we were not only concerned about what one tree would do, but all three, any or all of which could come crashing down into our bedroom at the rear of the house. We needed to do something for safety’s sake, but couldn’t bring ourselves to remove trees of such great beauty and sentimental value. Not surprisingly, Charley made the decision for us. He blew the oak tree onto our house, the East Palatka Holly onto our neighbor’s and left the dead tree standing. All three trees are gone now, and we’re coping just fine. Yes, for days we mourned their passing as for a loved one or beloved pet, and, yes, it’s a whole lot hotter and brighter in the backyard now. But during Frances and Jeanne that side of the house was no longer a concern.

During a disaster, your life changes drastically. You’re forced to let go of memories, comfort, maybe even your self image. We learned to deal with the Florida heat and humidity with no air conditioning, no power, and, sometimes, even no water. Not only is it uncomfortable, it’s often just plain dreadful. But at those times you cry out to God in your distress, He hears you, comforts you, gives you the strength to go on, and reminds you what is truly important...establishing His Kingdom on the Earth and in the lives of others.

Disasters are communal events. They break you out of your cocoon of self interest and indulgence and force you to relate to your neighbors. They shake you up so much you have to talk to the people standing in line with you at the supermarket or hardware store. They force you to see the needs of others and give to them. Before Charley, I was too busy to reach out to my neighborhood, and didn’t know many of my neighbors, despite quarterly neighborhood association meetings.

Charley changed that. God used it to remind me that He wanted me to be light and salt to my neighbors, to share my chainsaw and time to help my neighbors out of their driveways or out of the street. I realized how insular I had become and in a way, I feel like it was just one part of a process that He’d recently begun in my life that makes me feel like I’ve gotten saved all over again.

The friendships I forged during those first few weeks have turned out to be lasting, ongoing opportunities for ministry both now and in the future.

As believers in Messiah Jesus, we need to discern the times. The Holy One of Israel is in the process of redeeming the Earth and He seeks to do it through us. Rather than bemoaning our losses and dreading “the next one,” we ought to be people who are saying, “Lord we relinquish our claim to our lives and we enlist ourselves in your service. Your kingdom is all that matters. It might not be comfortable. It won’t be easy. But shake me now, that I might be free of all needless branches and shoddy construction. Prune me. Shine your light on me, that my heart might be pure and my motives honest and unselfish. Shake me now, so upon that coming, final shaking, my works might stand and bring you honor and glory.”

These recent hurricanes gave us plenty of warning before they came. Meteorologists saw the signs and kept us informed so that we could adequately prepare. Tornados seldom give such warning. But, preparing for a hurricane stands you in better stead in the event of a Tornado. The wise hear and prepare, much like the 12 virgins in Jesus’ parable (Matthew 25:1-13).

It’s interesting. After Charley and Frances, at least in our neighborhood, everything major had been shaken already. When Jeanne hit, all we dealt with was wind. No major damage. I realize that wasn’t the case for some areas, but I think it holds true for the Orlando area in general. What could be shaken down, was, and power and water were restored more quickly than after Charley. For that reason, I found myself fearing far less during Jeanne than I had during Charley. The shaking had served its purpose. What remained was rock solid and weathered the storm. We were confident and ready for anything.

This, I believe, is how God wants us to live our lives: free from the fear that comes with grasping onto worldly goods; grasping, instead, the heavenly treasure, and building on rock rather than sand... being wise virgins, confident and prepared for the Bridegroom’s return.

Because you never know when that tornado’s going to hit.

Amado Bobadilla