In the wake of Hurricane Helene, and the daily updates informing us of the ever-expanding scope of devastation and suffering it has caused to our state, many of us have a pressing urge to do something. This is a good instinct; it's much like the feeling Jesus had when he looked and saw the crowds and "had compassion for them". It's right for us to suffer with our brothers and sisters who are suffering, and the thousands who don't have the hope of the gospel. Even if you don’t carry the burden of action, the burden to pray is appropriate.
Some of you have asked if Cornerstone is organizing any aid to support the relief efforts. We’ve heard from several folks who have connections in the region, and investigated service opportunities, the greatest need right now is prayer and financial aid. However, we wanted to make you aware of a couple practical ways for you to support the work, and a specific tragedy to be praying for.
- Samaritan's Purse has a way for you to give financially as well as sign up to volunteer.
- Brad Hodges’ parents are members of Bethel Baptist Church in Vilas, NC which is operating as a hub for work crews and supply distribution. They may also be able to help you find a way to serve or help distribute resources.
- Please be praying for a young lady (We'll call her "Grace"), a freshman at NC State who has been visiting Cornerstone and the Young Adult group. She found out Friday that both of her parents and an older sister were lost in the flooding. Also pray for the few folks she's in contact with to be full of the Spirit and able to minister to her well.
Of course, the question of "why would a 'good' God allow a terrible thing like this to happen?", is at the forefront of many people's minds; swirling amidst the urgent reality of the loss of shelter, livelihood, and life that they now face. It's a real question, and one that leaves us feeling the desperation and helplessness of the inquirer. A couple things to help you as you encounter these honest questions.
First, knowing the answer to that existential question doesn't necessarily help anyone with their loss or hurt. You shouldn’t necessarily say that when you begin ministering to someone who’s asking this question—but it does help you to realize that the intellectual sounding question isn’t always what needs our care, but rather the broken heart beneath it. Hurt often hides in reason, but it’s healed with care and hope. Remember that Jesus didn't tell Mary and Martha why Lazarus died—he didn’t even tell them, “…all things work together for those who are in Christ”— instead he asked them to trust him with their hurt, and then he wept with them. Job’s friends were truly a blessing to him in his suffering as they sat with him, until they opened their mouths to explain “why”. Remember Jesus’ own words: “Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed is the one who mourns, they will be comforted.”
Second, while tears and “presence” are powerful comforting agents during suffering, there are times when we do have to talk about things for which we feel out of our depth—either because of a lack of experience or a lack of knowledge. In those circumstances go to the Psalms for help dealing with the deepest human emotions. Here are a few to “mine” for a felt and proper response to tragedy: Psalms 5, 23, 46, 90, 94, 121, and 130. The felt reality of our suffering is expressed most purely here, right alongside the truth of salvation and comfort in the Lord.
For deeper resources to help us in our ability to minister to people who are suffering, we can visit How Long, O Lord by D.A. Carson, Saints, Sufferers, Sinners by Michael R. Emlet and Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. These are very different books, dealing with different elements of suffering and evil, that will help people in some circumstances but may not in others. Knowing who you’re talking to and what their circumstances are will shape which of these resources are the most beneficial to us, but all three will help us handle this hard topic better.
Paul exhorts us: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:10-15). Consider where the Lord has placed you to serve: to show compassion for those who are suffering by sitting and weeping with them, to be well equipped to speak truth about the hope that is in us, or in sacrificial love, to demonstrate a zeal for service that comes with the teeth of sweating and bleeding as you help clean, rebuild and “…distributing the proceeds to all who have need.” The mess, the loss and the news is worse than we think, but the love, truth, and strength that comes from Jesus is better than we think—as we go, we carry that gospel.