In the last few weeks, hurricanes Harvey and Irma have wreaked havoc across the Caribbean and the southern United States. Intense rain and wind has left
a wake of flooded homes and businesses and shattered dreams. In the Caribbean, thousands are facing the desperate reality of completely destroyed homes and little access to food and clean water.
The incredible destruction from the hurricanes, along with the
massive earthquake in Mexico and the rampant
wildfires encompassing two million acres in the western United States, directs our thoughts to Jesus’ warning to His disciples: “There will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences” (Luke 21:11). Jesus gave us forewarning that these tragedies would come as Satan works to destroy the beauty and peace that God designed for our world.
In the last days before His death, Jesus delineated the signs that would help us identify our place in earth’s history and know when we are approaching the end. “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:25–27).
As Jesus described the disasters that would come on the earth, He pointed His disciples again and again to His ultimate victory over the destructive work of the devil. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. … So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:28, 31). Friend, that time is now!
In God’s Word we can find encouragement that in spite of the attacks of the devil all around us, we can have peace—not ordinary peace, but the supernatural peace that only Jesus can deliver and that transcends any trials we may face! “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Wherever you are in the world, you are faced with storms, physical and spiritual, that threaten to overwhelm your faith. Just as in the eye of the hurricane there is calm, Jesus wants to give each of us that calm and peace as we walk through the storms in our lives. He doesn’t promise freedom from the storms, but He does promise that when we “pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God” (Isaiah 43:2, 3).
Click here for a wonderful resource that will give you encouragement and hope.