Finding Hope and Strength After Helene

By Bruce Cannon

Mitchell County

Over the past few weeks, our hearts have been broken, our nerves frayed, and sleep has been elusive. Our bodies have grown weary as we’ve seen, experienced, and worked with so many people whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Helene. We’ve hugged the exhausted, prayed with them, and at times, even helped them stand when they felt as if they would collapse under the weight of their pain. Yet, as the lyrics to the song “Through it All” say:

“Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.”

As believers, we have been reminded by the blessed Holy Spirit of some truths from God’s Word that we so badly needed during this tremendous trial. May I share a few of them with you?

In Isaiah 40:27–31, we read:

“Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel,
My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the Earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?
There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might, He increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall:
but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

From Isaiah 43:1-3, we claim these precious promises:

“Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God.”

Amen! He has not left us nor forsaken us in Western North Carolina. Even though so many bad things have happened—families losing loved ones, and homes and properties being badly damaged—God is here, comforting those who turn to Him.

In 2 Chronicles 15:2-3, the prophet Azariah tells us,
“The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you;
but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.”

So, what is the solution to our problems today? How can we find the strength to face another day in this darkness? The answer is simple: Seek Him. Trust Him. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Jesus invites us:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart,
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
(Matthew 11:28-29)

We also claim the promise in Romans 8:28:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

We don’t understand why all of this has happened, but we know that our God is a loving God. He only sends or allows difficult times to draw people closer to Himself.

One good thing that has come out of this is the outpouring of support from across America. I have personally received calls from well over half of the states in the U.S., with people expressing concern and offering their prayers. Many congregations have committed to sending volunteers and resources to help us rebuild.

We will get through this trial. God will strengthen us, comfort us, and encourage us as we move forward. Continue to call upon Him, seek strength from fellow believers, and believe.

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Bruce Cannon is the Pastor of Pine Branch Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC

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Read more good news in Avery, Burke, McDowell, Mitchell, Yancey, Avery, and Madison Counties