Introduction

As you may know, Hurricane Helene passed through Florida, among other states, and on its way, it came near my home. Thankfully, we didn’t sustain any damage, but others around us weren’t as fortunate. It was a sobering reminder that no matter how well-prepared we are, literal and metaphorical storms are an inevitable part of life.

That got me thinking about what we should do after the storm has passed. It’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief, thankful that the worst didn’t come to our door. But as followers of Christ, I believe we are called to a higher response—one that involves helping others weather the storms in their lives and preparing ourselves for the next storm life may throw our way.

Help and Understand Those Who Were Affected

Even though our house was spared from damage, others in the community suffered loss. Trees fell on homes, floodwaters swept through neighborhoods, and power outages left many without basic necessities. For them, the storm was not a moment of relief, but of trial and struggle.

The Apostle Paul instructs us:

We are called to help carry the burdens of those who are struggling, whether it’s the physical aftermath of a literal storm or the emotional or spiritual impact of life’s challenges. This can take the form of offering help, supplies, or even just a listening ear. Sometimes the greatest help we can offer is simply showing up and being present for others in their time of need.

After weathering a storm, when we are relatively unscathed, we should shift our focus to how we can be a source of support and healing for others. Whether through offering our time, energy, or resources, Jesus calls us to love our neighbors in their times of distress.

Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15, NIV)

This verse is a powerful reminder that our response should be one of empathy and understanding. We may not have suffered, but others did, and it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to walk with them through their difficulties.

Prepare for the Next Storm

There are some well-known sayings about life’s inevitable difficulties. Here’s my version, from one of my more pessimistic moments: “If you’re not in a storm right now, get ready, because life will send you another one soon.” While it’s much more pessimistic than I really am, I still think it holds a lot of truth. Life, by its very nature, is unpredictable. The Bible reminds us that hardships are inevitable, and Jesus himself warned us of this:

Storms will come, whether they are literal hurricanes or the figurative storms of life—financial struggles, health crises, broken relationships, or loss. How we respond after one storm prepares us for the next. Instead of just breathing a sigh of relief when the immediate danger has passed, we should reflect on what we’ve learned and how we can better prepare for the future.

In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus gives us a powerful metaphor for this kind of preparation:

Building our spiritual foundation on the rock—on Jesus Christ and His teachings—ensures that we are prepared for the storms that will inevitably come our way.

That means deepening our faith during times of peace and calm so that when challenges arise, we are anchored in God’s Word and promises. It means learning from the difficulties we’ve already faced, growing in trust and perseverance, and putting into practice the lessons God has taught us.

Conclusion: Reflect, Serve, and Strengthen

In the aftermath of a storm like Hurricane Helene, it’s tempting to move on and forget. But I believe that’s exactly the time when we need to reflect on what God is teaching us through the storm. Have we helped those around us who are still struggling? Have we taken the time to strengthen our spiritual foundation, ensuring that we are better prepared for the next storm?

As we consider our responses, let’s take a moment to remember that our trust is not in the circumstances, but in the God who carries us through them. Just as storms come and go, so do the challenges of life. But with Christ as our foundation, we can stand firm, knowing that He will provide the strength we need.

So as we move forward, let’s remember to serve those who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and life’s figurative storms as well, and let’s take steps to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ, so that when the next storm comes, we will be ready.