The Associated Press (“AP News”) reported yesterday (3/7/2024) that power lines ignited massive wildfires across the Texas Panhandle that killed at least two people, destroyed homes and killed thousands of livestock.
Texas A&M Forest Service investigators determined that power lines ignited the historic Smokehouse Creek Fire – the largest wildfire in Texas history, which has burned nearly 1,700 square miles and crossed into Oklahoma. Power lines were also blamed for igniting the nearby Windy Deuce Fire, which has burned about 225 square miles.
Minnesota-based utility provider Xcel Energy acknowledged that its equipment appeared to have sparked the Smokehouse Creek Fire, although the company asserted in a press release that it did not believe that its equipment ignited the Windy Deuce Fire.
The AP News report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, the unprecedented fires have ravaged land, killed at least two persons, and killed thousands of cattle. The photographs are hard to view.
The loss and suffering, human, animal and economically, is staggering. Let’s continue to pray for all of those directly affected or responding to clean up this tragedy.
Although Xcel Energy disputes claims of negligence in maintaining and operating its infrastructure, the company has acknowledged responsibility, requesting affected residents to submit claims for losses.
I am so very thankful that even in times of tragedy, we serve a God who is more than able and willing to turn even tragic circumstances into good – for His glory. The love of God is beyond words (see Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28). Never forget that the Father loves you and me just like He loves Jesus (see John 17:20-23). Amen!
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
What the Evil One Meant for Our Harm, God Turns for Our Good
“But as for you [Joseph’s brothers], you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
John 17:20-23 (NKJV)
Jesus Prays to the Father
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me [emphasis mine].”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
