Summary: Over the past couple of months, the world has been hit by disasters like never before. Just think back, and you will remember the devastating earthquake in New Zealand, and then the horrible earthquake which was followed by a crushing tsunami that hit Japan. From the disaster in Japan alone, over 12,000 lives were lost and countless thousands were displaced and left without homes and other necessities. In the United States, massive flooding along the Mississippi River has cost many people their lives and their homes. And just this past week, a deadly outbreak of tornadoes swept across the midwest region of our country causing catastrophic damage in places like Joplin, Missouri. Already, over 500 people have been killed by tornadoes this year. <br><br> And we've heard of other disasters as well -- killer tsunamis, devastating earthquakes, massive hurricanes, raging floods, and out of control fires. Nature has dealt staggering blows to the earth and its people over the years. Many of these events happen without warning. <br><br> Each year millions of people are faced with the daunting destruction caused by the forces of nature as they storm into their lives. The impact on our families, our cities, and our country may occur in just a few minutes, but dealing with these overwhelming disasters continues long after the initial catastrophe. <br><br> Natural disasters are beyond our control. We cannot prevent them and run away from them, but we can turn to God for help in times of trouble. Although we can't prevent disasters from happening (many times we can't even issue warnings in time) there are some things coming that we can prepare for now. <br><br> + Plus, listen to Nicole C. Mullen singing "I Am"
