5 Bible Versus of Comfort in the Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

I’m in my second month on the World Race, an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 countries around the world. I’m currently 5,545 miles away from home in Alba Iulia, Romania. It’s “all squad month” which means all seven of the teams that make up my squad are staying in the same mission location. 

Three of the girls on our squad, including myself, reside in Florida. Hurricane Irma took us all by storm when we found out a Category 4 hurricane was hitting the entirety of our home state. As it approached, we were all a bit uneasy about the safety of our families and homes between Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville. 

For my family and friends back at home that were astonished at how Irma took a last minute turn away from Tampa, leaving minimal damage, I’m here to say PRAYER IS POWERFUL.

The night Irma made landfall, twenty of my squad mates came together to prayer over Heather, Melissa and I’s homes in Florida, and for the whole state. I was deeply touched at how my squad family rallied together to show their love and concern for our families in Florida. 

Although Tampa had a miracle of minimal floods and damage, many people are still without power. Melissa’s home city Jacksonville was not as fortunate. The damage and flooding was almost unparallel in comparison to past hurricanes. 

So to all my Floridians, I hope you find peace and rest in these five bible verses. Let it be an encouragement in the dark times you face in these next few weeks recovering. And just know that people are praying for you from ALL over the world.  

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Psalm 93:4

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea — the Lord on high is mighty.

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.