Living in Uncertain Times
by Melanie Hemry
David Jenkins paused in front of his television at home in Columbia, S.C., to watch the weather. “This rain has the potential to create a flood the likes of which hasn’t occurred for a hundred years,” the announcer said. “The ground is saturated and the lakes are full. All three rivers that transect Columbia—the Saluda, the Congaree and the Broad River—are already swollen over their banks.”
Several things clicked into place for David, pastor of Ambassadors’ Christian Center. The previous Monday, he had spoken to his congregation. Something is about to happen,” he warned in a calm voice. “I have no idea what it is, but I do know that we have no reason to be afraid. Whatever it is, I want us to be prepared. First of all, step up your prayers for protection, especially praying Psalm 91. I also want you to stock up on emergency supplies and buy extra food and water.”
A couple of nights after that, David dreamed about a flood. In the dream he saw rain that wouldn’t quit. Buildings disappeared under the water, falling apart—homes and businesses destroyed.
Now this, he thought looking outside at sheets of unrelenting rain.
“Ashley’s here!” his wife, Donna, called. Their daughter, Ashley, was the senior executive assistant to the city manager and lived downtown.
“Today at work I felt impressed by the Lord to pack a bag and spend the night here,” Ashley explained. “I thought it over and decided to come watch movies with you this evening but not spend the night. But when I got home from work, the Lord told me again to pack a bag and stay. So here I am!”
“I’m glad you’re here,” David said, hugging his daughter.
He’d like to think that their home was the safest place in Columbia.
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