Pray for Japan

By now we have all seen the images and heard the hourly reports of the utter devastation in Japan. The threat of a nuclear disaster is hanging over the heads of the already crushed people of Northern Japan. We watch in silence as words cannot describe the power and destruction that was so vividly caught on video. Aftershocks continue to strike fear in the hearts of those who survived and those who are working around the clock to rescue and help those who still need rescuing.
We, here on the Pacific coast, are watching with extra fascination because we all know that it could be our turn next. The pharmacy shelves are devoid of Iodine as irrational fear of radiation poisoning is gripping many. The major disasters that have hit the world lately are many and severe. Why could it not be our turn next? 
The thought is occurring to many that God may be trying to get our attention. The Bible speaks of things like this happening with more frequency at the 'end of the age'. Whether this is pure speculation or a concern based in fact is something each of us has to determine for ourselves. 
What is very evident here is that there is power and might way beyond our comprehension and certainly beyond our control. When a massive shift in the earth's crust is recorded from the safety of a helicopter, giving us a bird's eye view of how quickly things can transpire, I cannot but imagine how the entire surface of the earth could be changed in a matter of minutes or hours. It puts  mockery to the scientific mantra "millions and millions of years" as an explanation for almost all of creation. A Mt. St. Helen's or a 9.0 earthquake are events that should be teaching us that God does not need a lot of time to shape the earth. 
I cannot help but relate this to the massive shift taking place in the Middle East. "Earth shattering" does not only refer to physical events. Are the two related? Or, if we take into account the world wide economic tumult, three? Do you get the sense, like me, that 'things' are building to a climax? We, here, still live serene, day to day lives, but all around us there is turmoil and unrest. I am feeling a bit uneasy about this. Yes, I am extremely grateful, but also wonder if our days are numbered, on the short end.  
My solace is that I believe God is ultimately in control. My concern is not pushed over the edge to fear. If I were one who mocked God or did not acknowledge him at all, I would be greatly afraid.