Following is an exerpt from “When the Seas Rage; Be Still!” (copyright pending)—a soon-to-be-published collection of personal devotions for emergency managers, first responders, and those seeking spiritual strength as they work through life’s disasters—written by Doug Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference.
What is a disaster? By definition, it is an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe. It negatively affects society or the environment. They occur once every 100 years or every day in your own lives. Some are small and can be handled on a personal level. Other disasters happen on a larger scale and require a coordinated effort to find relief. The things we call disasters vary from person to person and place to place.
It can be frustrating facing a disaster, big or small. It can be particularly overwhelming if we must face it alone. And, we find ourselves asking a lot questions. Why did it happen? Where will we get help? How will we move forward? Of course, the answers can be as varied as the types of disasters we face. It can be as simple as, I took a wrong turn, or as complex as the meteorological explanation of a hurricane. But, I would also submit to you that the answer is Biblical.
In Matthew 24:7, we are told “there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” The book of Luke foretells the coming of “terrors and great signs from heaven” (chapter 21, verse 11) and there will be “distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves” (chapter 21, verse 25).
Before you get too concerned about the signs of the end times, understand this message is meant to provide you comfort. And, to know that God is sovereign! He is the creator and holds the earth and all that is in it in the palm of His hand. As we learn in Isaiah 45:7, He created the light and the darkness. He is responsible for creating disasters. He confirms this in this verse saying, “I the Lord, do all these things.” So, the answer to the question “why” becomes clear when we look to scripture. The reality is, God said disasters would occur and He is powerful enough to make them happen. But, that is not the end of the story.
There is hope in disaster. During our trials and tribulations, God promises hope and reassurance. Remember, He is sovereign and all powerful. He is the one who created the light and the dark; the crashing waves and the roaring winds. But, in addition to being responsible for “all these things,” Isaiah 45 reveals God also “brings prosperity.” He shares this message of hope again in Isaiah 54. “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (verse 10).
As we face the disasters of life, whether personal or public, in our homes or communities, or a nationwide pandemic, know that God, through Christ, assures us there is hope in our suffering. He promises to be with us. And, He will supply a peace that passes all comprehension. In return, we only need to be faithful and committed Him. For, in that dedication, “He will establish your plans...and work out everything to its proper end” (Proverbs 16:3-4).
PRAYER: Sovereign God, creator of all things, thank you for the hope and peace of your presence when storm clouds surround me. We are grateful for your promise to remain with us during the trials and tribulations of life. Give us the ability to share this message with everyone we meet and allow it to provide comfort as they struggle with their own challenges.
Contact Doug Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator, at drc@susumc.org
