In the days leading up to Hurricane Matthew, residents of coastal Virginia went through two phases.

First, there was a concerned stage, as weather reports suggested that the area could receive a direct hit. But then there was a relieved stage, as subsequent reports had the storm headed out to sea well before reaching our area. Yes, we knew there would be some wind and rain, but it seemed like it would be rather mild.

But then from Saturday night through Sunday morning, we went through a surprised stage. The storm was far worse than we expected, thousands of us lost power in our homes, trees started to fall, roads started to be closed due to flooding or fallen trees, and some of us dealt with flooding in our homes, basements or garages. Hurricane Matthew will be remembered.

What lessons can we learn from it?

First, we must keep it in perspective. Our effects were incredibly mild compared to Haiti, a nation that suffered a direct hit. Life is difficult for most Haitians under normal circumstances, and this storm added to their troubles. They are suffering terribly. Let us remember these precious people in our prayers, and do what we can to help them.

Second, we must remember that God is stronger than any storm of life that we face. One night Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, when a sudden and violent storm began to rage. “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:37-39).

Psalm 107:28-29 says, “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”

Remember this when you go through a storm: God is with you in the midst of it, and he has power over it.

Third, remember that storms pass. By Monday morning, the day after Hurricane Matthew, we awoke to the most beautiful fall weather we have had this year, and it has continued this week. The sun has been shining, the crispness of fall is in the air, and it has been drop dead gorgeous.

Remember that when you are going through a life storm. It will pass, and God has something beautiful for you on the other side of it. Furthermore, he will use the storm you are passing through to form and shape you in ways that will make you more like Christ.

That’s because Jesus has already entered into the ultimate storm on our behalf. On the cross, Jesus allowed the storm of our sins to converge on him. He took the fury of God’s wrath against sin on our behalf, in our place. And he rose from the dead victorious. He is coming again to bring about a renewed creation, where every storm will cease, and every tear will be wiped away.

 

Dr. Thurman R. Hayes is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Suffolk. Follow him on Twitter at @ThurmanHayesJr.