Hurricane Milton & Helene | Spiritual Anchors in Life's Storms

What if in the midst of life's most turbulent storms, you could find unwavering hope and peace? 

In this episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, I, Mike Stone, invite you to journey with me as we explore how even in the chaos of hurricanes like Helene and Milton, we can discover profound spiritual truths that anchor us. This episode is about acknowledging the very real emotions of feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or angry and understanding that it's perfectly natural. 

By drawing upon biblical stories and scriptures, we delve into the theme of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness, even during life's toughest battles. We shine a light on how community support and organizations like Samaritan's Purse play a crucial role in disaster relief, reminding us of the power of unity and compassion.

In our conversation, we explore how, despite the unpredictable nature of life's challenges, there is a divine order, a sense that God remains in control and is working everything out for good. With heartfelt prayers and reflections, we encourage you to steadfastly hold onto your faith, seeing God as a refuge and source of strength. 

This episode is a comforting reminder that God is always present, offering help and hope in times of trouble. Join me as we extend our support, prayers, and love to those impacted by these hurricanes, and look forward to continuing our journey of faith together on Behind the Mike Podcast.

Samaritan's Purse:
https://samaritanspurse.org
__________________________________

Be sure to subscribe to Behind The Mike Podcast with Mike Stone so you don't miss an inspiring episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Chapters

• 0:11 Finding Hope in the Midst
• 7:37 Trusting God Through Anxious Times

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:11

Hey, welcome back to Behind the Mic podcast. I'm Mike Stone. Today's episode is a special one and it weighs heavy on my heart. I know that it weighs heavy on the hearts of many of you listening and watching as well. You know, as I speak, there are people still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, while others are bracing themselves for Hurricane Milton, which is fast approaching. These storms have brought devastation and loss and fear, but in moments like these, when everything feels out of control, there is a firm foundation that we can stand on God's unshakable love and his sovereignty.

Speaker 1: 0:56

Today, I want to offer some words of encouragement and hope to everyone affected by these hurricanes. Let's take a moment to remind ourselves that, while the storms rage around you, god is still in control and his promises hold true even in the darkest moments. Now, to those of you who have lost homes, businesses or even loved ones in the wake of Hurricane Aline, my heart grieves with you. This isn't something you can easily move past or brush aside. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, it's okay to weep and it's okay to cry out in pain. In fact, the Bible is full of people who cried out to God in moments of anguish. David himself wrote in Psalm 13 one "'How long, lord, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? It's natural to feel that way when life falls apart, but the beauty of our faith is that God doesn't leave us in that place of despair. He doesn't hide his face from us forever. He doesn't hide his face from us forever. Look, I'm going to be really transparent with you right now. I don't know why this is happening to you. I don't know why God didn't stop Helene before it made landfall. I don't know why he doesn't just disintegrate Hurricane Milton before it continues on to Florida. I've asked these questions myself, and I know many of you are probably asking them too, and it's okay to ask why. It's okay to feel frustrated or even angry at God In moments like these. We can be real with Him. He can handle our questions. He knows our doubts and even our pain. We see all of this throughout the Psalms David and other writers crying out to God and wrestling with what they didn't understand. But here's what I do know. While I don't have the answer to why, I do know that God is still good. I know that he's still faithful, even when we don't always understand His ways. I trust His heart and I trust that somehow, even in the middle of these storms, he's working for your good and for His glory.

Speaker 1: 3:21

I want to remind you of the story in Mark, chapter 4, when Jesus and his disciples were in the boat and a fierce storm rose. You've probably heard this before. The disciples experienced fishermen were terrified, but Jesus, well, jesus was asleep in the boat and in their panic they woke him up, crying Teacher, don't you care if we drown? And what does Jesus do? He stands up, he rebukes the wind and says to the waves Quiet, be still, and the storm calms. It's easy to feel like the disciples in that moment, panicked and overwhelmed and wondering if God sees or cares about what's happening. But just as Jesus was with them in the storm, he's with you now. He hasn't abandoned you. He is still the God who calms the sea and speaks over chaos the sea and speaks over chaos.

Speaker 1: 4:29

If you're listening and you're anxious about Hurricane Milton or recovering from Helene, I want to offer you this hope God is in the business of restoring what's been lost. I love the promise in Isaiah 43.2, which says when you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. We all know God does not promise that we won't face trials or storms, but he does promise to be with us through them. In times like these, it's important to hold on to that truth that God is present, he's not distant and he hasn't forgotten you. I know you might feel powerless right now, but 2 Corinthians 12, 9 tells us that His power is made perfect in our weakness, us that His power is made perfect in our weakness. You can lean on Him. In your weakness he is more than able to carry you.

Speaker 1: 5:32

I've seen how communities come together in moments like this Neighbors helping neighbors, churches becoming shelters, people sharing food and resources. I watched the news last night and saw a reporter talking to some gentlemen representing their community and just how they have come together and helped each other, and this is a beautiful expression of God's love. It reminds me of Galatians 6.2, which says carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If you have the ability to help, even in a small way, I encourage you to do that. I know that Samaritan's Purse is there. I encourage you to contribute financially to Samaritan's Purse and help them. Continue to uphold this disaster and the one that's impending, coming to so many states, and if you're in need, don't be afraid to reach out. We were never meant to do life alone, especially in times like these.

Speaker 1: 6:39

Before I wrap up, I would like to take a moment and just pray for everyone affected by Hurricane Helene and those who will be impacted by Hurricane Milton very shortly here. If you're listening, wherever you are, will you join me in prayer and just continue to lift up these people who will be impacted and those who were coming in to provide resources for after this? Father God, you are Lord of the storm and you calm every storm. We lift up every person that is affected by these hurricanes and will be affected. For those who have lost loved ones, god, we just pray that you would comfort them and surround them with your love and your peace. Lord, for those who have lost homes, businesses or their security, we ask that you would meet their provisions and needs.

Speaker 1: 7:37

God, for those who are anxious about the storm ahead, we ask for your peace just to surround them and guard their hearts. God, remind us, lord, that even when the world feels out of control, you're still on the throne and you are still working all things together for good In Jesus' name, amen. Well, thank you for listening. Remember, god is with you. Hold on to him. He is our refuge and our strength and ever-present help in time of trouble. I'm Mike Stone and I'll see you next time on Behind the Mic Podcast. Thank you.