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REFLECTIONS
God willing

Selma Hooge

James 4:13-16

Many of us who live on the flood plains of the mighty Fraser River, made preparations for a possible flood in 1999. We packed good china, favourite books, priceless photos, etc. to store upstairs. We made plans where to take the piano and other heavy furniture which could not go upstairs. Several dairy farmers paid six months’ rent on farms on higher ground, just in case. Other farmers bought extra trailers for moving precious equipment. Dikes were raised and strengthened. Some churches in Abbotsford organized emergency response teams in case they had to help those of us who might become flood victims.

Thanks to a cool spring and summer which allowed the higher-than-usual snow pack to melt gradually, we were spared the dreaded devastation of a flood. We were grateful. We thanked the Lord.

One day, however, we heard that, without warning, homes and businesses in White Rock, B.C. were washed out by a flash flood. White Rock? That’s where the sun shines more and where it rains far less than in our part of the Fraser Valley. Then there was the news in August that the great city of New York came to a standstill because of a deluge. Disasters are as unpredictable as the weather.

James knew that. He wrote, “Just a moment, now, you who say, ‘We are going to such-and-such a city today or tomorrow. We shall stay there a year doing business and make a profit.’ How do you know what will happen even tomorrow? . . . Your remarks should be prefaced with, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we . . . will do so-and-so.’ As it is, you get a certain pride in yourself in planning your future with such confidence. That sort of pride is all wrong” (J.B. Phillips translation).

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Selma Hooge of Chilliwack, B.C. Freelance submissions (200-250 words in length) are welcome.

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Last modified November 2, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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