It was only a week ago that I sat on my screened in back porch and watched the wind and the heavy rain wash over our land in southwest Virginia while our home remained intact in semi-darkness, interspersed with flashlights and the sound of trees breaking in the distance. Hurricane Helene had touched down in Florida the night before and had made its way inland further than anyone had anticipated. None of us knew the devastation that would transpire in the Appalachia region, and as someone who lives in this region, it is gut wrenching and heartbreaking to see and to hear of such devastation all around us.

There are feelings of guilt and gratitude in that we only suffered a few days without power while so many are now without homes, businesses, livestock, and cherished family members and friends who have perished in this tragedy. There are countless videos and posts of rescue missions and locals rallying to aid others with basic necessities, and there are posts telling us of the horror and tribulation that lies ahead for many that may never recover from this. There are questions and speculations, rivers of tears and waves of emotions that are crashing outwardly and inwardly as many wonder what lies ahead. At the same time, there is peace and comfort that only the Lord Himself can bring to those raging storms of despair and uncertainty.

Prior to Hurricane Helene’s arrival, a pink-haired lady stood in her home, holding a wooden staff with a circular globe on top. She told her followers, the Weather Warriors, to speak to the hurricane and to command the pressure in the storm to rise so that it would dissipate. She claimed to command the angels into the storm so that they would shred the cells within it. She said that she would not tolerate any flooding, power outages, or destruction of any kind. She said that those on the west coast needed her instruction on how to take authority over the weather. Because Jesus did these things, she said that we can now do them and that “we are over the weather, not under the weather.” For years, she and others have done such acts, claiming to take authority over the storms and doing so in the name of Jesus. Sad to say, I did similar things in the past because of this same belief that I had the same power as God to control the weather.

Yet, the storm came regardless of her decrees and those who joined her. The hurricane brought flooding, mudslides, and calamity. Her intolerance of the storm was not entertained. Consider the arrogance of such behavior. Consider the irreverence of Almighty God in believing that you have the same power as the God who created this world. In all four gospels we see that Jesus commanded the winds and the waves on the sea to be still, and they obeyed Him (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:36-41, Luke 8:22-25, John 6:16-21). The conclusion is the same in the Synoptic Gospels, “What sort of man is this, that even the sea and the winds obey him?” (Matthew 8:27). In another account, we read of Jesus walking on the water during a time when the wind and the waves were beating the disciples’ boat. This is the well-known account of Peter walking on water, only to need rescue from the Lord. When they both got into the boat, the wind ceased, and those in the boat worshipped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:32)

These passages help us to see that it is God who commands the elements, not mere man. To presume such a role is to exalt oneself to the position of God. Lord, have mercy on such people. We do not have power over the weather in such ways. We cannot decree and declare these things away, misinterpreting God’s power over His own creation. The wind and the waves obey Him, not us. There are people suffering beyond our comprehension right now, and the power of God is displayed in those who are praying to God for those in need. His compassion and love are displayed by His church as clean water is provided to those who are thirsty, food is provided to those who are hungry, and basic needs are provided to those who are without.

I do not pretend to understand the fullness of God’s sovereignty, but I know that He is because His Word comforts us in His sovereignty in a world that is groaning in its futility. I do not pretend to fully understand why some people suffer more than others in such tragedies, why some lose loved ones and others are spared. I do not speculate as to why this occurred because truth be told, I do not know. What I am certain of is that our region was not prepared for this, and people are not being helped by conspiracy theories, fear mongering, and empty decrees and declarations. What brings comfort and peace is that nothing is hidden from God, and there are people who need assistance right now. There are people who were spared, and they need to hear the gospel ministered for this day of salvation. There are endless opportunities to serve others right now and to glorify Jesus Christ both in our prayers and in our excess that we take for granted in this country. Be encouraged to help how you can, and please pray for those affected by this. I was encouraged this morning by the end of Psalm 66, “Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!” May we ever cling to the Rock of Ages whether on dry ground with sure footing or raging waters with depths unknown.

Listen to this episode regarding Hurricane Helene and how you can assist in the needs of others: Failed Weather Decrees and the – The Lovesick Scribe Podcast – Apple Podcasts