How to Overcome Devastation
In times of disaster, what do we need to hear? What do we say to others? What do we do? How can we help? When tragedy comes, to ourselves or to others, we need answers on how to help and how to move forward together.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
You aren’t alone. In times of suffering we often are tempted to feel abandoned and on our own. Or we can become so overwhelmed with our own disaster that we fail to see the hurt of others around us. Please know many are suffering with you, maybe in different ways, but suffering nonetheless. Look beyond the bad and look for the good that is being done and be encouraged. Above the human presence, know that in Christ, God is with you always, even on the darkest of days. Don’t quit.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1
Many care and are concerned. So many will be coming, giving, and praying for you in your suffering. You may not know all the names or see all the ways you are loved, but you are. Many have walked through similar sufferings and desire to overflow their comfort to you in your tragic season of life. Receive and be strengthened by their comfort.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Don’t blame God. Seek God in the present. God doesn't always explain the “why” of our many sufferings in life. But He does desire for us to turn our attention more fully on Him during our overwhelming situations.
‘Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.’ In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
Job 1:21-22
Trust God for the future. Your earthly future may look bleak, dreary, and hopeless now. If you belong to Jesus though, your eternal future is bright, safe, and secure. Look beyond the temporary things of earth to what is forever and above.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
Deepen in the Word. Be desperate in prayer. You struggles are not merely with earthly disasters and difficulties, but you have a real enemy in Satan and his demons, who seek to discourage and separate you from the love of God. Your best weapon against your enemies is the Bible, God’s voice. So listen, trust, and respond to Jesus!
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Dependent on Jesus. In times of personal weakness may we find strength in relying on God like we never have before. He is sufficient to carry us forward and we can never be removed from His loving presence and power.
So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what can man do to me?’
Hebrews 13:6
Thankful to God. It is hard to be thankful in the midst of great loss. But at those times it is so essential that we count our blessings and thank Jesus more fervently than ever before.