By Chip Sekulich, Chaplain/Patient Advocate at TwelveStone Health Partners
How many times have you used the word “disaster” lightly? “My kid’s room is a disaster area.” “That couple is a disaster waiting to happen.” “Her casserole is a recipe for disaster.”
Hurricane Helene and its aftermath already ranks in the top 10 deadliest natural disasters in mainland United States history, making me think about what we call “disasters” in our lives.
At first, the term “natural disaster” would seem to be an oxymoron. Are disasters really “natural,” and should we expect them to be routine? Are they “natural” because they involve nature and her wrath, or are they naturally part of life?
I’ve found them to be all of the above.
Sometimes, the disasters in our lives seem to come through no fault of our own—an illness, an accident, a death, a storm. Such was the case with a man named Job in the Bible.
Job was a man who lived a life that was pleasing to God. He didn’t struggle in his faith, nor did he sin, trying to avoid it in every way he could. Although God was pleased with Job’s lifestyle, it didn’t stop devastation from coming into his life. In a series of disasters, Job’s livestock, property, and means of living were either destroyed or stolen. All of his ten children died. Then, his health deteriorated, with huge boil-like sores covering his whole body from head to toe. Job is often regarded as the perfect example of suffering with grace and patience. I’ve heard people say, “I wish I had the patience of Job.”
Yet Job was human. Contrary to what you may have heard, he did not just sit by and take everything that happened to him with a grain of salt and a smile. He was very much like you and me. Job got so discouraged by his pain and loss that he said that he wished he’d never been born! At least 14 times, he asked God, “Why?” Yet God never directly answered Job or explained to Job what He was doing or why He allowed Job to suffer.
However, through everything he suffered, Job maintained his integrity, trusting God and never blaming Him. “In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged (blamed) God foolishly.” –Job 1:22.
Because of Job’s faithfulness, at the end of his extended season of suffering, God restores all that he lost and more.
Like Job, we’re not exempt from pain and sorrow. The Bible teaches that we will have sorrow through our trials and tribulations in this life. “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” – Acts 14:22).
And like Job, when you have little strength and are at the bottom of your endurance, continue to do what is right and trust that God will bless you as He did Job. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” – Job 13:15.
Know that “this” life and its disasters are not all there is. There is life after this life. “For I know that my redeemer lives and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.” – Job 19:25-27
Know that God will bless and reward your faith in Him, even if He never answers your “whys” in this life. “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” –Job 42:12
Believe that there is always more to the story than we can see in our circumstances. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” –1 Corinthians 2:9
When in fear and you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” –Psalm 56:3
Hurricane Helene upended so many lives in myriad ways. Your prayers are appreciated for everyone in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and beyond. Please pray with me that the Lord will bring them comfort, grace and strength in the days ahead. If you know anyone that I can specifically pray for by name, please let me know.
But my prayers aren’t limited to those impacted by Helene. If you are facing your own disaster, please let me know so I can pray for you by name. Any personal prayer requests, information shared with me, or advice requested and provided will be kept confidential. Need to talk? Let’s schedule a time. I am here for you.
For those who would like to help our neighbors in GA, NC and TN who are suffering here are some great organizations that could use our support.
