What to do if it's lightning...

According to the government's weather website, lightning has killed an average of 58 people per year for the past 30 years.

This is higher than deaths caused per year by tornadoes or hurricanes, but we don't hear a lot about lightning deaths because they normally occur one or two deaths at a time.

Have you ever thought about how lightning is a lot like Satan? Sometimes you can hear the thunder and you think you might want to be a little careful, but other times, lightening can strike without warning. We would all be wise to consider how Satan acts in a similar manner. He can strike in all sorts of environments, sometimes without previous warning and sometimes you sort of know that there is a storm brewing...

So what's a person to do?

- Watch for dangerous weather conditions. When it appears that dangerous weather is approaching, do not plan outdoor activities and keep an eye on the weather. Similarly, do not enter environments that you already know are going to be temptuous. Flee from sin just as you would flee bad weather.

- Seek safe shelter for yourself and your loved ones. Protect yourself. During a thunderstorm, lightning can strike many miles from the original source of the storm. If you are involved in questionable activities, it gradually becomes easier to sin so set your boundaries, establish your safe place and keep high standards.

- Go inside when you first hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning so seek shelter immediately. Do not wait until it's too late! Satan likes to convince us that what we're doing isn't soooo bad or that there is a good reason we're doing it. There are many ways we can convince ourselves that sin isn't sin, but it is and it's very dangerous. Don't fall into the trap of justifying sinful behavior. Recognize it for what it is, confess your transgressions, and stay out of the danger zone in the future.

- Offer assistance if you see someone else struck by lightning. When someone is struck by lightning, they will need immediate medical attention. Frequently they die of cardiac arrest before someone can assist them. If you are near when someone is struck by lightning, call 911 and offer assistance. Try to get the victim to a safe location if possible so that you will not be in danger of being struck by lightning yourself. This same advice would be wise counsel if you're trying to help someone who is living a sinful lifestyle. Offer help. Pray for them. Assist them in any way you can, but be careful to protect yourself in the process. While I was in college, I hung out with the "bad kids," thinking I would minister to them, but I quickly became engrossed in their poor choices - cheating, skipping class, alcohol, pot, etc. because I was not "lightning proof." No one is. Offer help to others, but do so with the support of others and make sure you always remember that lightning - in all its forms - is dangerous.

Sonya : )

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