God in the Storm - Nanette M. Holloway

Finding God in the storm is difficult. Our trust in God is stretched beyond limits. And yet God is faithful and promises to be with us and never leave us or forsake us.

And Sometimes God is our only Hope

My husband had his own storm encounter when he was 17. On his way home during a severe rainstorm, he encountered several vehicles in the ditch. He went to work with his four wheel drive pulling cars back to safety on the road. But as he approached his home, lightning flashed and he wondered if the huge cloud was a tornado. He got home just in time to get into the storm shelter with his family.

Emerging from the shelter the next morning, he witnessed the storm’s devastation. Foundations were laid bare, and his family’s mobile home was gone except for a free-standing chimney. Debris as far one could see stretched before him in all directions. One neighbor, alive, survived while in bed. Herself, the bed and the nightstand with a glass were the only things left of her dwelling. Miraculously she, my husband and so many others were spared. My husband witnessed the fragility of life and God’s grace in the storm.

Now we witness the horrific results of Helene and record-breaking destruction. The closure of interstates, towns swallowed in flood waters and indescribable losses. But pictures paint a partial picture of the devastation, unable to adequately depict the hurt, pain and suffering of the lives touched and the long road to recovery.

God is Faithful in the Storm

a large storm moving over a lake with mountains in the background

Yet amid the storm’s aftermath, we see kindness and sacrifice by countless neighbors far and near who give generously to those whose basic needs for survival are threatened.

I’m grateful for a God who hears the desperate cries for help through Samaritan’s Purse, privately owned helicopters and countless others.

Scripture for Today

“The grave wrapped its ropes around me;
    death laid a trap in my path.
But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
    yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
    my cry to him reached his ears” (Psalm 18:5-6 NLT).

Prayer for Today

Father, we humbly come before you and ask for your divine help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The devastation leaves us overwhelmed and heartsick. May you sustain those who have suffered indescribable loss and provide each soul with the help they need. Thank you for the countless individuals who are giving so graciously to others in need. We ask that you provide divine protection to those who survived, but are yet not found. Keep each one safe in your loving care. We also ask for financial resources to assist in restoration and recovery from the destruction. Thank you that you hear each cry for help. Amen.