Wednesday; September 2

On this date in 1935 a hurricane hit the Florida Keys and killed several hundred people.  But, also on this day in 1935, a dream died with that storm.  Henry Flagler had made millions in business and industry and spent them in a variety of ways.  One of his major accomplishments was to link the Florida Keys (along with the important port in Key West) with the rest of the United States.  With a lot of work he was able to finish the Overseas Railroad in 1912.  It would only function for a couple decades before one of the harshest hurricanes on record devastated it.  In all, there were almost 500 fatalities, but the Overseas Railroad died that day too.  Since then, a highway has been constructed to get people to and from Key West but, while portions of the railroad are still visible, the dream is gone.

As I think about this disaster, I am reminded of Jesus’ warning, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).  It is great to have fiscal success and fanciful dreams, but we need to keep in mind that anything built on this earth is susceptible to the elements of this earth.  Whether as innocent looking as a moth or as fierce as a Category 5 hurricane earthly treasure have natural enemies.  Let’s invest our hope in something more substantial – spiritual treasures. 

What are we holding on to for dear life?  Let’s place our future in spiritual things and allow God to hold on to it in His hands.

Think About It!

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