I’ve spent way too much time trying to figure out how to start this because my heart is heavy. For some, Hurricane Harvey is just another natural disaster you see on the news. Thankfully I have only seen through pictures and my loved ones haven’t experienced much damage, but my heart still aches for those who have. Neighborhoods have turned into lakes, and homes have turned into danger zones; the town I grew up in is unrecognizable. I’ve never watched the news so carefully or followed Facebook posts so vigilantly; it hurts to see my hometown falling apart. My heart breaks for those who have lost their homes, possessions and especially loved ones to all the flooding.
In Luke 8:22-25 Jesus led His disciples across a lake. As they sailed a storm quickly arose while Jesus was sleeping, and their boat began to fill with water. Fearing for their lives, the disciples woke Jesus, and He “rebuked the wind and raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.”
The disciples probably felt like God wasn’t present or that He was ignoring them while the storm was knocking them around. It definitely seems that way… He was sleeping! However, after Jesus rebuked the storm, He asked the disciples, “Where is your faith?” They had forgotten that He loves, cares and is always there for them.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor ANYTHING else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
So where is OUR faith in all of this? It may seem like God isn’t present in Texas right now because of all the devastation, but He absolutely is. When we put our faith in Jesus He finds ways to continuously amaze us, and here’s how I’ve seen His light shine through this storm.
The past couple days Houston has been relieved from the rain. On Wednesday the water began receding and the sun was shining – there was finally a ray of hope. The flooding near my grandparents’ house was LESS THAN 1 INCH away from getting into their home, but it stopped. Now tell me these weren’t The Lord’s works – Jesus definitely calmed the storm.
What makes me so proud to be a Texan and a Houstonian is the amount of people who have dropped everything for those in need. In the midst of all the heartbreak and loss, God’s love is so evidently present. People are opening up their homes, vehicles and boats to help neighbors and strangers alike. Some are driving in from hours away with trailers full of supplies and boats to rescue those who are stranded. There are CROWDS of people waiting to volunteer and lend a helping hand. People are loving their neighbors as themselves, just as we are commanded to by God. Our community is a thriving example of Christ’s love for us.
As I mentioned in my last post, there is POWER in prayer! God is able to turn darkness into light, so put your faith in Him and let Him shine through this storm. If you’re unable to donate money, supplies, food or resources to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, I only ask you of one thing: take a minute to pray for them. If you personally know any victims, pray for them by name and let them know that you did – it will bring them hope. Pray for those stranded in homes and cars, those who have lost loved ones, those who have fled the area, those who are still waiting for help, and those who are providing help. God hears our every prayer, so let Him bring us hope in the storm.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
If you’re interested in donating to the relief efforts in Houston and the surrounding areas, I recommend going through one of the following:
» Greater Houston Community Foundation’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
» JJ Watt’s Houston Flood Relief Fund
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September 1, 2017 at 11:08 am
Another great post, Sis. So proud of you.
Love you more
Pop
September 1, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Thank you!
September 1, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Very inspiring, Sydney. Love you,
September 2, 2017 at 9:25 am
Thanks, love you too!
September 2, 2017 at 8:26 am
The images one daily sees of the hurricane are really too painful and heartbreaking. Thank you to all for bringing this home to us in such graphic detail. Thank you to all the helpful souls out there doing what they must in this hour of need. May God give everyone strength and courage to endure! I have been daily praying for Texas ever since Harvey struck, having gone through Sandy. Besides, coming from Bombay, where harrowing occurrences of similar nature occur, I can readily visualize the strain this community faces having to cope with the aftermath of torrential rains and floods. My ‘Pray for Texas’ went up on my FB author page a few days ago. Your sentence ‘He loves, cares, and is always there for them’, stands out. Texas will continue to be in my prayers in the days to come. I believe with you that God hears our every prayer.
September 2, 2017 at 3:35 pm
Amen! Thanks for keeping Texas in your prayers, The Lord sure has provided for many people! Thanks for reading.
September 2, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Love this post so much. I know it was hard for you to write, but I know others will be able to relate and will be encouraged! I love the biblical examples you added! Continuing to pray for Houston!
September 2, 2017 at 9:12 pm
Thank you so much!
September 4, 2017 at 5:12 am
Loved your post. So sad what people have to go through.
September 4, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Yes, His open loving hands are seen in others’ helping hands. I have no basis for comparison, since our Midwest basement had only 4 inches of water recently. But even that caused me to consider and praise Him for His sufficiency.
September 4, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Absolutely, thanks for reading!
September 4, 2017 at 5:47 pm
My heart aches for them too. My church in AR has teamed up with 3 churches in Houston. Many churches and individuals are there to help.
September 4, 2017 at 7:36 pm
That’s so great! Thanks for reading.
September 4, 2017 at 7:04 pm
Great post of hope! I love how you said when people donate money, they should pray first.
September 4, 2017 at 9:58 pm
Hi! Sydney, glad our paths crossed! I have written similar thoughts. Hurricane Harvey has been devastating to Houston but God’s people are on the move loving their neighbors. ❤️ Misty
September 5, 2017 at 5:53 pm
It’s so sad. Who knew that the hurricane would be that bad.
September 6, 2017 at 8:33 pm
This has been such a heartbreaking tragedy to witness. We were in Super Storm Sandy in 2012, and that was awful – but this. Oh my goodness. Cannot even fathom. Thank you for sharing hope and encouragement. I don’t know anyone by name to pray for, but Houston is on my mind and in my prayers!
September 7, 2017 at 12:49 am
Thanks so much!
September 7, 2017 at 5:10 am
Hi Sydney! My heart goes out to you and your beloved Houston! May your faith continue to see your hometown through the storm’s aftermath! Loved your reminder of the calm that Jesus offers us in the midst of the storm! (And thanks for visiting my blog! Glad we got connected through CWBU!) Blessings and prayers!
September 7, 2017 at 7:43 am
Hi Allison, I’m glad we got connected, too! I feel that we have a choice in situations like these to dwell on the devastation or see the light. Thanks for reading!
September 7, 2017 at 8:51 am
We need more hope like this in our midst! Thank you!
September 8, 2017 at 8:56 pm
Thank you for sharing this- we live on the ocean in South Carolina and have been preparing for a week for the pending hurricane.
I really appreciate the scripture you shared and your faith.
September 8, 2017 at 9:12 pm
Thanks for reading! It’s difficult when things – like the weather – are out of our control, but God is on our side! Everyone in the upcoming hurricane’s way is in my prayers.
September 9, 2017 at 12:40 am
I like your post! 😊
September 12, 2017 at 6:12 pm
I’m so grateful that you are okay and your grandparent’s home was spared. Continued prayers for Houston.
September 12, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Thank you. There are still so many people struggling to restore their homes and recover. Thanks for reading!
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December 31, 2018 at 11:13 am
So happy to hear that. Glad to have you, Geoffrey!
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