S4 E23 - Sometimes the Worst Brings Out the Best

Hurricanes have devastated Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. You absolutely hate to see the destruction and hardship caused to others by these storms. Our prayers go out to all those suffering. 

But even in the midst of so much loss, there has been so much good in response. Christians have banded together to serve others and help those in need. Unity in service have been demonstrated accross the board as together God's people from all over serve those impacted. Sometimes the worst have the potential to bring out the best. 

#SetYourMindAbovePodcast

Transcript

What if I told you that God could be seen in the most ordinary things every day? 

What if I told you that every day, ordinary events could teach us extraordinary eternal truths? Would you believe me? 

 Welcome back to season 4 of the Set Your Mind Above Podcast! My name is BJ Sipe, and I am a Christian, a preacher, a husband, and a father. And I’m excited to share a few moments together with you learning some important lessons from the simplest things. Thanks for tuning in! 

Over the last several weeks, hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused unprecedented devastation in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. One need only turn on the news to see roads collapsed, entire towns flooded, and businesses washed away. Helene took everyone by surprise, because I am not sure anyone was expecting it to be just that destructive. Places that are very special to especially my wife and I have been devastated and, in some places, forever changed – places like Ashville, Boone, Blowing Rock, & Chimney Rock. By the grace of God, Milton did not bring the level of devastation to Florida that they were anticipating, but by no means was it a small storm. We spent a great amount of time in prayer earlier this week as the second hurricane was projected to come through the place that we once called home, the very place my wife grew up as a child. While some had to evacuate, many decided to stay put and ride it out through the storm. As Wednesday came and went, we were grateful to hear from family and friends the following morning that while they were in many places without power and had property damage, they were otherwise safe. 

To say that there is an immense amount of power in a hurricane would be an understatement. Lives have been completely changed as a result of the storms, especially on account of hurricane Helene. Many individuals lost their homes, their livelihood, and sadly in some cases even the life of a loved one. As a matter of fact, if I were simply to mention other hurricane names like Katrina or Harvey, it would not be beyond the scope of reality to say that even decades later that many of the most affected areas from those storms can still feel it to this day. It is life altering, and in some cases these storms brought to life the worst nightmares of those who had to endure them. We weep with those who weep, and our hearts break for the suffering others are experiencing. 

And yet, through it all, I have once again been witness to a truth that I have seen time and time again in my lifetime. And that is this: sometimes the worst brings out the best. Romans 8:28 puts it this way: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Despite the great loss and challenges that these hurricanes have brought, let’s take a few moments to pause and look together at the good that has occurred in response to them. 

First, Christians have responded in love as light to come to the aid of those in need. Just as we see throughout Scripture when there were needs among the brotherhood (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 6:1-7; 11:27-30; Rom. 12:13; 1 Cor. 16:1-4), the amount of love that I have witnessed in response to the needs in these effected areas has been extraordinary. I have to take a moment to lift up my own church family here in Kentucky. This church in Danville should be commended for how it responded to assist those in need. I saw the saints here give above and beyond what would have been expected of them, and they have glorified God through their generosity. But it was not just the Christians here that have risen to help meet the needs of those suffering. I have received at least a dozen messages from Christians in Texas, Oregon, Washington, California, and elsewhere asking how they can help and assist those that I knew had needs. This is what a family looks like; to be ready and willing to give strong support to those they don’t know and have never met, but love nonetheless because of our bond of faith & shared hope in Christ! The way Christians have responded has fulfilled the teaching of Jesus: “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:15-16)

But secondly, there is another good that I have witnessed that has been brought about in response to these storms. And that is this: it has brought together those who otherwise were not connected in order to serve. Philippians 2:1-2 teaches us: “If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Service brings unity as two or more people put their own interests or needs aside intent on one purpose together. And that has been a tremendous good born out of the need that I have seen. I have witnessed estranged Christians be thrust together and work together to serve their community. I have witnessed Christians that never knew each other prior to this week work together for the benefit of others. I have watched God’s people move as one body in service and love. The unity that this has brought to churches, communities, and the body as a whole has been one of the greatest goods. 

This podcast is not intended to diminish the pain and suffering that others are experiencing. As we stated earlier, we weep with those who weep – and our hearts break with those whose lives have been impacted by the storms. The intent of this podcast is to remind us that even in the midst of suffering, pain, and loss – our great God can work through his people to accomplish some of the greatest good! There certainly is a rainbow in the cloud, a reminder of God’s good and gracious promises as we praise him in the storm. Indeed, sometimes the worst has the potential to bring out the best.

This has been the Set Your Mind Above Podcast, season 4 episode 23 – and I’m so thankful that you decided to tune in today! A new episode is dropped most Fridays, so be sure to tune in next week.  Also, if you’re able to, go ahead and like and subscribe to the podcast, as well as share it with someone else – it would help me greatly in trying to reach others. And more than anything, always remember the following: know that I love you, that God loves you, and may we all each and every day set our minds above.