Wednesday 25 March

By Rev Peter W Nimmo, Old High St Stephen's Church, Inverness

Rev Peter W Nimmo

The smoke alarms in our house often go off when somebody burns the toast. It's annoying- a terrible noise and much flapping of towels!- but at least we know they are working. For one day- a day we hope will never come- there might be a real emergency.

Nobody likes emergencies. A family member recently needed emergency hospital treatment. In that stressful time, we encountered impressive skill, care and concern. Thankfully all went well, and I was reminded anew to count our National Health Service among our blessings. Like the smoke alarm, we don't really want to use it, but its great that it's there- a safety net when we need it.

Yet for too many people, there is no safety net in an emergency. War or unexpected natural disaster can destroy whole communities. Even in this country a job lost or a benefit payment delayed can leave individuals or families homeless or having to visit a food bank.

An important aspect of our faith is the assurance that we are ultimately secure in God's hands. St Paul says nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus (Romans 7.38-39)- even in the worst emergency, God will not ultimately abandon us.

So why should we not strive to ensure that all people have access to some kind of safety net in an emergency?

Christian Aid

Daily Reflection

In the Philippines, natural disasters happen regularly. Communities are learning to recognise the warning signs so they have time to evacuate.

Give 60p for every smoke alarm you have.