Thursday, October 17, 2024

Fall of 2024 is looking to be a devastating season for the United States, at least in the southeastern portion of our country. Two huge hurricanes have barreled down on Florida and up into Appalachia, causing hundreds of deaths, countless lives torn apart, millions of dollars in damages, and the destruction of some of the most beautiful parts of our country. As most of us watch from afar, the loss seems unreal. We wonder why God would allow such devastation to occur. 

As I followed the storm updates, I saw many satellite and radar images. I couldn’t help but think the “eyes” of the storms were striking. It’s amazing to see the calm that exists in the midst of the raging wind and rain. Doesn’t it seem absurd that the center of a storm is the safest place to be? 

Our faith in Jesus often puts us in the very center of the storms raging around us. The priorities of the world are very different from the instructions Jesus has given his followers. And yet, it is our trust in Jesus that offers us peace and strength. 

Matthew 6:33
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

We are in a cultural hurricane of sorts right now. There are political, moral, social, and personal storms raging around us. It feels like they could hit at any second, and they may, because trusting Jesus does not guarantee that we will never suffer. But it does mean that our storms will never overcome us. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we stay firmly in the eye of our hurricane. 

There will be times when we must turn away from earthly things that feel so essential in the moment and toward what is necessary for our eternity. By seeking God first, we can trust that he will provide exactly what we need. No hurricane can destroy us because Jesus has overcome the ultimate storm: death. 

While we may never make sense of the destruction around us, we can have hope. As we try to grapple with the loss, look up, and turn to him. We can align our hearts with his and realize that no matter what happens, God is in control. 

We are safe in his hands. 

Questions: 
What storms are you facing today? Are they bringing you closer to Jesus or drawing you away? 

Next Steps: 
Spend some time this week praying for those who were affected by the recent hurricanes. 

When you feel overcome by the storms in your life, pray first. Memorize the series theme verse. John 16:33 has powerful truths that will help you through the storms to come.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my safe place. Thank you for promising to give me all that I need when I seek you first. I lift up those who are dealing with the aftermath of the hurricanes. Give them comfort. Protect lives and use these disasters to bring many to you. I pray that your church steps up in real ways to provide relief for those who are suffering. Thank you for hearing my prayers. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

This post was written by Julie Mabus, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.