An atheist, a Buddhist, and a Methodist walked into a Baptist church…. No, not a joke. They really did. The Sunday after Hurricane Helene hit Asheville, North Carolina.
No electricity, no water, no cell phone service, no roads cleared, no way for the pastor to contact all his members or make it to their homes to tell them he would open the church doors that Sunday just as he always did.
But 15 people wandered in. Four were members of his church. The rest, well, they must have realized how much they needed Jesus, because they all huddled together in the only corner of the dark, damp church where a bit of light had made its way in. Armed with his Bible and His Lord, the Southern Baptist pastor passed out Hope to those thirsty hearts like it was Living Water.
Praise God for the many ways He is using fierce trials to open the doors of people’s hearts to His love.
So many after Milton and Helene have lost hope. But God is still Good. He is still the answer we’re looking for. Only He can save us from the messes we’re in. Only He can make something beautiful of it all.
Today, let’s meditate on Isaiah 51:6.
- Pray for the salvation of those who survived Helene and Milton but are still headed for hell unless they turn to Jesus. Pray for people like this atheist and Buddhist, that they will hunger for Truth, and He will lift the veil from their eyes so they will see Him as He truly is and surrender to His love.
- Pray for our own faith in God’s righteousness to rise.
- Pray for the hundreds of churches throughout the US who are reaching into the regions hardest hit by Helene and Milton, sharing God’s love along with food, water, and other resources. Many Christians are helping to clean out homes and rebuild, as so many in these areas had no insurance. Pray the lost will see their love, ask about Jesus and be saved.
- Many are still without electricity, water or cell phone service. Pray they will take this time of darkness to search for the Living Water who is the Light of the World.
Father, please protect those who are still in danger. Get them to safety and provide for all their needs in such a way they know it is You. Comfort those who mourn and care for those in need. Carry them through this hard time, and give wisdom to leaders, rescuers, medical workers and others who are aiding in relief. Heal those who are injured or sick. Rescue those who are trapped. When they cry out to You, answer them in mighty ways so they know it is You. Provide shelter, food and clean water for those who have been displaced. Bring Christians quickly to their aid to show them Your love, pray for healing, share the good news and counsel those in distress. Deepen the faith of Christian flood victims and bless them so abundantly they will share of their provisions with others in need. Awaken the lost to Your salvation, and those who are saved to more and more of Your love flowing through them. Give every person affected by these floods a hunger and thirst for You. Awaken the USA to the One this life is for. Show them Your love, and open their hearts to receive You. Start a church planting movement in this region that is out of control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:
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