Earlier this year, Florida got hammered by two massive hurricanes in a short period of time. Helene hit the west coast on Sept. 26 wreaking widespread havoc before turning north to drop devastating rainfall in North Carolina and Tennessee resulting in over 230 deaths.
Less than two weeks later, Milton came ashore as a Category 3 storm and sashayed across Florida ending up in the Atlantic. Thankfully, the death toll from the second storm was only 17, yet each death was tragic.
As Milton barreled toward land, meteorologists warned coastal residents of the deadly conditions that were brewing. While spinning over the Gulf as a Category 5 disaster, forecasters feared a 15’ storm surge that would clearly destroy every structure in its path. In addition, anyone taking refuge in such a building would likely drown.
Nevertheless, some foolish souls, and those with no choice, decided to ride it out and most survived thanks to the storm’s last minute decrease in intensity. Eventually, Milton left his mark on 34 counties with downed power lines, flooding and wind damage.
As I pondered this, I wondered how an insurance agent would have reacted if someone in the hurricane’s path contacted her for coverage the day before anticipated landfall. Would she have written that policy and taken the risk at that last minute or leave the person to suffer their losses? I doubt any agent would issue that policy with the imminent disaster just offshore.
Because some insurance companies have discontinued flood insurance and others have sharply increased premiums in hurricane-prone areas, some families have had to choose between insuring their homes and eating. Sadly, more and more individuals opt for less or no insurance leaving themselves exposed should disaster strike. Nevertheless, a last minute call to an agent with a tornado, fire or hurricane approaching would likely go unanswered and a policy unwritten.
Thankfully, God is different. He is always manning His phone lines of prayer eager to receive anyone who comes to Him. The insurance He offers provides protection against eternal suffering in Hell and even goes beyond prevention to offer the best everlasting accommodations in heaven!
We can “call” Him anytime and from anywhere and if we are sincere, He issues our policy. He even accepts calls from individuals on their deathbeds with the storm of eternal punishment looming nearby. In his classic book, “The Problem of Pain,” C.S. Lewis observed, “It is hardly complimentary to God that we should choose Him as an alternative to Hell: yet even this He accepts.”
There are a couple differences, however, between typical insurance and that offered by God. For starters, there are no group policies. Each individual must make their own arrangements by repenting of sin and asking for forgiveness and salvation. No one else can ask for us, and our church membership doesn’t guarantee coverage if we haven’t personally accepted God’s terms and conditions.
In addition, God is the only one offering such insurance. No other agent, not even those from State Farm or Progressive, can write a policy that protects from such eternal losses. Earthly companies spread the risk among all their insured, banking on the probability that not all will experience simultaneous losses. God, on the other hand, knows that all will eventually face eternal destruction and, in mercy, extends His offer to every person. Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you but stubbornness will.
The best part of God’s policy is that your premium has already been paid. Jesus shed His blood to cover the full and total cost of your policy. Accepting God’s offer really is a no brainer since universal judgement awaits us all. Sadly, unlike those Florida residents, some people never get a last minute chance due to accidents, heart attacks, strokes, etc. With that in mind, take this warning today and get your insurance from Jesus now! Death’s storm may be closer than you think!
Blessings, George
