LIFE AFTER THE STORM,
REBUILDING HOPE & RESTORING HEARTS
A personal blog from Marcus Lamb | Posted Nov 8, 2017
Even as you’re reading this, thousands are no doubt still sorting through fragments of their lives. They sit in what might appear to us as garbage, sifting through the remains of their possessions in search of treasured memories, pieces of their past that they have no intention of leaving behind.
In the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, communities in South Texas and across Florida are still recovering from the devastation. Many are probably asking the question we’ve all asked from time to time: Where is God when it hurts?
It the midst of our pain it can be hard to see Him. But He’s there. For many, He was the first responder that rescued them off the roof of a flooded home, the neighbor who pulled them out of the rushing waters, or the stranger that patiently held them while they wept at the loss of all they hold dear.
As believers, the Bible tells us that there will come a time when tears end and evil is defeated. Until then, we’re to bear one another’s burdens and be there when the ache of life is overwhelming. Our job is to be a light in the darkness of adversity and overcome evil with good.
I’m so honored that Daystar and our partners have been able to do that by joining with local churches in South Texas and across Florida to rescue those impacted by natural disaster and be there to rebuild hope after the storms have left their mark. Through donations we’ve sent totaling more than $600,000, churches like Hope City in Houston, Texas were able to secure airboats that saved over 500 people from rising floodwaters and give much-need supplies to those who had lost everything. In Florida, Faith Church was able to send truckloads of water, baby formula, food, and other basic necessities to distribute to needy families through their West Palm Beach campus.
It’s through these efforts, and many others that the wounds left behind in the aftermath of tragedy are healed. I knows it’s hard to see good in the middle of such suffering, but keep in mind that God knows exactly how to redeem even the worst situations and turn them around for our good.
After all, the darkest day in human history came 2,000 years ago when Jesus was violently killed on a cross. At the time, it must have seemed like the death of hope for all eternity. But today, we call it “Good Friday,” proving He can even use our pain to create a masterpiece.
By loving people and meeting the practical needs of the moment, the devastation caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma is being used to transform lives. Just as it says in Revelation 21:5, God is “making all things new.” And while there is still so much more to do, I can see His hand at work.
Yes, God is there when it hurts. But more importantly, He also there when it heals. United as one, we are revealing His heart and showing those impacted by disaster what it looks like to love on purpose. My prayer is that they, too, will one day use their scars to help others, sharing the healing and comfort that can only come through a relationship with Jesus.