Red Alert

The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.

– Proverbs 6:23

In late 2021, the lava, rocks, and ash erupting from the Canary Island’s Cumbre Vieja volcano destroyed about 3,000 buildings, covered acres of banana plantations and vineyards, and cut off miles of roadways. The resulting billion-dollar devastation to the popular tourist spot was a reminder that life is short and that it’s God — not man — who’s in control. However, warning signs often precede such disasters. And our ability and willingness to recognize and heed them can mean the difference between life and death.

Let’s rewind back to December 2004, when an earthquake generating a powerful tsunami in the Indian and Pacific Oceans released the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. The resulting disaster left more than 150,000 people dead or missing, with millions more homeless across 11 countries.

It’s interesting to note that the approach of this so-called Boxing Day tsunami was not totally unannounced. Many survivors remember the spectacle of the water receding from the beach to expose the seabed. Fish and boats were left stranded on the sand. And these same danger signs led the curious to their eventual doom when they ventured to the shoreline to marvel at the unusually low tide.

However, some people did recognize the warnings from the rapidly receding ocean. Survivors who understood its significance reported that they ran for high ground, rounded up family and friends, and tried to warn those who were drawn to the water's edge. The Associated Press reported that one Indian national saved 1,500 of his fellow villagers after spotting the ocean’s dramatic recession from the shoreline. And for reasons debated by scientists, many animals somehow sensed the disaster and fled in time to higher ground.

The level of death and destruction from this natural disaster was unprecedented, and only those who recognized the warnings and reacted in time lived to tell their stories. But what about the impending disasters of our own making? Is God trying to alert you and me to devastation on our personal horizons?

Maybe it’s about our marriage, kids, career … or even that risky investment. Whatever it is, it’s likely that the warnings aren’t a complete surprise. The problem is that we already know what’s bad for us (spiritually and/or physically), and it’s our nature to put off what’s unpleasant until the last minute. But sometimes we wait until it’s too late. And by then, the damage — often permanent — is done.

Our excuses are remarkably consistent. We’re either too busy or we don’t think the issue is a big deal. Likewise, we like to play God by pretending to have a handle on the situation, such as with drugs, gambling, or alcohol. But your family, friends — and most importantly, God — know otherwise.

How should we respond when God sends us a warning? The best answer is the simplest one: Face up to it NOW and deny our tendency to ignore it or wait until later.

Now’s the time to prepare for the storms of life by looking out for God’s warning signs. A little discipline and self-control today can save us from years of hurt tomorrow.