Written by Joy Forrest, Founder of Called to Peace Ministries
The recent devastation in the mountains of North Carolina and East Tennessee has affected me deeply. As a native North Carolinian, it has been especially hard to see places that hold so many treasured memories completely destroyed. I’ve grieved and prayed ever since the news first came out. I’ve given money, I’ve shared information about the great need with others, and I haven’t stopped praying. Unfortunately, no matter what I do, nothing can change what has happened. Things will never be exactly the same as they were before Hurricane Helene. Precious people and places are lost forever, and it’s profoundly grievous. Yet, even in the face of horrific tragedy, I know that God has not abandoned His children—I know that He is a Redeemer.
Almost immediately after the storm, we began to hear stories of redemption from survivors that have given me hope that our beloved mountains will recover. I’ve seen neighbors connecting on levels that transcend politics, social status, and other issues that divide us in this age of social media. With cell towers down, genuine, face-to-face, community has developed in many areas. There are glimmers of hope everywhere.
Hallelujah that our God is “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13). We have a Lord who speaks hope and peace into the worst of human suffering. A few days ago, Psalm 69 came up in my Bible reading plan, and I couldn’t help but think of not only the aftermath of Helene but also the aftermath of domestic abuse.
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.” Psalm 69:1-3
This psalm is quoted in all four Gospels, referring to Jesus who experienced the worst of human suffering. It refers to the devastation of betrayal and harm inflicted by others. It ends with a promise that God hears the cries of His broken people, and that He rebuilds what is lost (Ps. 69:33-36). Rebuilding is a familiar theme in Scripture.
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you. ‘Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.’” Isaiah 54:10-12
Our God rebuilds broken lives. He redeems the worst of human suffering, whether it is caused by catastrophic weather events, betrayal, oppression, or abuse. Because of His great love and compassion, He does not abandon His people in times of trouble. Jesus assured us that there would be trouble in this broken world, but that is not the end of the story for us (John 16:33). We have a God who joins us in our suffering and upholds us. It is a reality we have seen hundreds of times over at Called to Peace Ministries and one that I have personally experienced. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). This is not an empty promise, but reality for those who look to Him.
When disaster strikes, rebuilding may seem impossible, and honestly, in our own strength, it often is. However, nothing is impossible with our good God. We can trust Him to carry us through every affliction of this life and forevermore.
