A National Emergency

I just heard that the President has proclaimed a national emergency because of the spread of the swine flu. Latest reports show over 1,000 deaths including many children. Like many, I find this frightening because there really isn't much that one can do except wash your hands and stay home when you aren't feeling well. But I also find it frightening because once again the leadership of our country has failed in preparing for this situation. Despite many warnings and many promises, the flu vaccine is just not available, both for the regular flu and for the swine flu. While the sickness spreads, doctors and hospitals are forced to operate without any supplies of the vaccine which was promised nationally weeks ago. Our medical practice was forced to cancel its planned flu clinics, as have most others. Now I've read about all the problems in preparing such vaccines, but how can the greatest country in the world, even with growing unemployment, not have the resources to meet this serious challenge? If we can't prepare for something like this, how will we ever be prepared for biochemical attacks from terrorists? And those attacks could be more disastrous than the swine flu. And if we can't trust our government's preparation for this serious outbreak, how can we trust their plans for a national healthcare program? It looks like such a plan will be hustled through Congress and signed by our President, whether the country wants it or not. Just trust the government, they know what is best for us. It appears that socialism has really arrived. But the bottom line is that if we are trusting the government to solve all of our problems, including the swine flu and healthcare, we are sadly mistaken. Our trust needs to be in the Lord who is the only one who can control our health and our lives. He has a plan for our lives and while that doesn't mean we are immune to the problems of life, we are His workmanship and He will complete his plan for us. And while He is doing that today, He is also preparing for us a perfect future home where there will not be a need for swine flu vaccine or healthcare. And the reality of that future should keep us "looking up" despite our present circumstances. As my hymn blog for this weeks says, "trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus!". So put your trust in the Lord today and keep looking up.