A Letter of Perspective

My blog today was inspired by Ruth Graham Lutz’s (Billy Graham’s daughter) letter that I received on Friday. I didn’t follow the news about the devastation left in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. But this letter opened my eyes and heart, and I hope it does yours too.

I know the damages realized from tornadoes, but not from a hurricane. I do know recovery can take a very long time. I pray for restoration and healing to all those affected.

Ruth went on to share this letter (I abbreviated it some) from the pastor of Sanibel Community Church, on Sanibel Island, Florida, who wrote to his congregation about the vision he caught AFTER he and his family lost everything.

Dear Sanibel Church Family,
It’s Sunday morning, Oct 2, 4:30am. I’m writing this from a hotel bathroom so as not to wake my wife. Normally on a Sunday morning I would be waking up around 5:30 am or so and heading out for a beach walk with my poodle to pray and think through the sermon I had spent all week preparing. But instead I’m sitting in a hotel bathroom.

I don’t have a house. My earthly possessions can now fit in my truck. I can’t go to my favorite beach. I have no idea when I will preach again to my beloved congregation.

Where are you this morning? Some of you are also in hotels on the east coast. Some are staying with family and friends, wondering how long the arrangement will work. Others are watching this disaster from a distance, filled with more questions than answers, and plagued by a vexing sense of helplessness.

Some are in the Ft Myers area without power or internet or consistent cell service. They can’t even read this email. Some are stuck in shelters at Shell Point because the storm surge wiped out most of the cars there. Some . . . I don’t know where they are.

Is it sinking in yet or are you still in shock? The feelings and thoughts come in waves. I haven’t had much time or capacity to reflect on the events of the past week. Most of my mental energy has been spent on trying to coordinate efforts, solve problems and find people. But this morning, sitting in my bathroom office unable to sleep, I find myself in a rare moment of contemplation. I’m thinking about Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

2 Therefore we will not be afraid though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depth of the sea,

3 though the water roars and foams and the mountains quake with turmoil.

The Psalmist meant the roaring sea as a metaphor for turmoil and danger, particularly the danger of hostile nations around Israel. But this week we saw the sea rise up and swallow homes, cars, bridges and lives. The storm cut the causeway islands in half. The incredible power of the sea flung boats and cars all over Iona. Ft Myers beach is completely devastated.

The Psalm describes an earth-shattering ocean storm. These verses will never again be an abstraction for us. Yet we must not forget how the Psalm begins. “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”

God is our refuge. No storm touches God. God needs no insurance policy because He reigns above the flood. He is the only safe place. God is our strength. God never loses power or fuel. The Lord doesn’t feel anxious or perturbed and has no troubled thoughts about the future. Our Heavenly Father is not passing through phases of shock, grief, and despair. The Triune God dwells in perfect peace, joy, and delight at all times. He is not exhausted or depleted. A helper who is always found.

Hurricanes pass. But our Helper never changes or leaves us. Even when our future is uncertain and our lives have been completely overturned, we know these things about God. He is almighty, He is eternal, and He loves us.

No wonder the Psalmist can look into the tempest and say: “Therefore we will not be afraid.” The Psalmist is not in denial about the power of the storm. Rather He beholds the greatness and power and lovingkindness of our Lord toward us. God is infinitely willing and able to help his storm-tossed people. The fury of Hurricane Ian is a gentle breeze compared to the might of our Savior God.

And if the Psalmist knew these things about the Lord, how much more should we who live in light of the cross. Our Lord Jesus has rendered the ultimate aid. He bore the terrifying storm of God’s wrath to save us from our sins. The cross is our refuge. Jesus is our strength. He is risen and ever present to help us. Let us go to His throne boldly for mercy and grace.

On Wednesday as the storm raged, I was sitting in a mall in Boca Raton trying to get internet. One of the stores had a TV with news coverage of the storm. Starved for information I walked over to watch with a few others. We started talking and I told them I was a Sanibel refugee. The strangers around me stood in shock as I described what little I knew was happening on Sanibel, Captive and Ft Myers.

The conversation ended, and I returned to my computer. A few minutes later one of the store employees came over and said, “I’m sorry but I just have to ask. Why are you so calm? You’re losing everything and yet you seem so nonchalant.” It was a funny question because I didn’t feel calm or nonchalant. Yet that’s what he perceived.

So I started to explain, “Well, I’m a Christian, and I pastor a church…” I didn’t get to finish my sentence. His face lit up and he said, “Of course! You have God. I got it! It all makes sense.” And he walked away smiling.

I bet there’s lots of conversations like that waiting for us in the coming weeks and months. I pray today that wherever you are, you may take time to sit beside the river of God and be filled with His peace. And then take His Word, His gospel and His love to a helpless and hopeless world that’s still sinking.
Love in Christ, Pastor Jeramie
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Back to Donna……I know this was lengthy, but I assure you, I will return to read this blog over and over. The reminder of THE ONE Who is greater than any storms in our lives, is THE ONE Who will carry us through every single one of them.

Pastor Jeramie’s letter not only encouraged me but helped to focus my prayers. I trust it will do the same for you.