In those first few days following Hurricane Michael in the fall of 2018, the task before us seemed insurmountable. The devastation complete. In the chaos all around us, all we could do was face it one moment at a time.
I’m reminded of that now, in the turmoil and chaos we are facing as a nation. The road ahead seems daunting. But just as Michael reminded us so vividly, we are not in control. We never were. And just as God provided for us and protected us through the upheaval of those first days and months after the storm, He protects us now. His will is greater and His love more powerful than any darkness we’ll ever face. As He promises us in Exodus 14:14, “I will fight for you, you need only to be still.
Who calmed the wind,
and stilled the waves?
Gave us strength,
in those first days?
Provided hope,
when there was none?
Renewed our faith,
with the rising sun?
Breathed His life
into our lungs?
Cleared the way,
for the work to be done?
Walks with us,
down this broken road?
Eases our burdens,
shoulders our load?
Never turns His gaze,
from our daunting pain?
Heals our wounds,
through His holy name?
He was there in the storm,
through the darkness of night.
He was there in the morning,
when the sun shown its light.
He was there when our eyes,
first beheld the destruction.
There when the tears fell,
from hearts torn and broken.
His presence is steadfast,
His mercy unending.
Trust in His promise,
this is just the beginning.
He will lead us without fail,
down the long road ahead.
Turning all that’s broken,
into relentless hope instead.
Through Him we’re restored,
His grace will prevail.
His unfailing love,
will overcome this hell.
For that is His promise,
renewed every dawn,
“Through trials and tribulations,
I am with you through the storm.”
JN Fenwick (©️2018-2022)
Our stories of survival and hope are captured in, In the Eye of the Storm and In the Aftermath of the Storm in the words, images and poetry of survivors. For that’s what we all became. The faith that sustained us through those first weeks and months is the same faith that sustains us now. The same faith that will sustain us tomorrow. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith,” ( 1 John 5-4).