Disaster

By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret.

Hundreds of trees on the ground, two homes damaged by fallen trees, pathways and roads blocked, no power, and no water, Hurricane Helene left disaster in its wake. And the damage mentioned above is just what the Paul Anderson Youth Home sustained. 

Yes, this storm was destructive, to say the least. Nearly a week since the havoc has been wreaked, power has yet to be restored to most, many are still without water, stores are either not open or very low on goods, selected by flashlight, public services are almost totally hamstrung, everything at a standstill. Disaster has truly struck Georgia, and the surrounding states, cities, and towns. Rural folk are on their own in trying to recover. 

But as Jeremiah states, “God is our refuge in the day of disaster.” Storms may come, creating natural disasters and heartache, but God is the only One who can bring sense out of the massive trouble. He restores perspective. He heals broken hearts. He answers cries for help. He provides reasons for keeping on, and He is the promise of the future. 

Helene, in one devastating night, swept through our hometown, wreaking havoc from her extreme winds and a torrential downpour. The storm was the worst in over a hundred years. 

Laying a massive multitude of huge trees on the ground, crushing homes, and blocking almost every street and highway, power lines snapped and are lying on the ground, roofs of businesses and homes torn off by terrific winds, houses and vehicles sitting waist high in rising waters from flash flooding and overflowing creeks and rivers. Everywhere, there is a war zone meeting the eye, and there is wholesale shock on every face. 

The storm is not unknown to God, nor its impact upon people, even the children of God. The storm, a part of nature and God’s creation, is sent for people to cry out to Him, who in His Providence is responsible for all that is. 

He desires for those in need and those who are not to, nevertheless, turn to Him, in acknowledgement of who He is, and for His ever present help. If, that is, we will even recognize His help when it comes. 

Too many, expecting something else, do not recognize what the LORD provides with a purpose in His perfect foreknowledge of that which is truly needed. Ask God for help and accept what is sent with thanksgiving. 

Recognize that we still live in an age of sin, and this is not heaven yet. Heaven is still in our future, and suffering will not be unknown, especially to those who desire to share in the sufferings of Christ, promised to those who love Him, and desire to be found in Him. 

Take every disaster, not as unexpected, but as an opportunity to seek God’s help, to share in the sufferings of your Savior, and to hunger more for heaven and the peace which passes understanding.

Encouragement