The devastation wreaked by hurricane Dorian is of mammoth proportions. This category five hurricane will go down as one of the most catastrophic to ever make landfall upon our archipelago.

What you see above is nothing compared to the widespread destruction levied by this monster of a storm. Bahamas Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis has described it as an “historic tragedy.” In fact, and unfortunately, five individuals are reported dead. It is believed that number will rise.

Meantime, the scope of loss is indeed wide and already impacting many who have nothing left but the clothes on their backs. Dorian literally tore through Abaco and Grand Bahama, leaving death, destruction and dismay in its wake. Many feel hopeless.

Only he who feels it knows it, so unless you were holding the four-month-old baby and the roof just lifted off, you do not know how it feels. Unless you swam down the street you usually drive down – with the dogs in tow – desperately trying to get to safety, you do not know how it feels. Unless you huddled in the bathroom as the winds ferociously howled above and the rain stampeded through what was previously a roof, you do not know how it feels.

But God does.

It is hard to comprehend that God was there all that time and allowed such widespread ruination. It even makes people question whether He cares. But the text that comes to mind is found in Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” Even in the midst of tragedy, when we do not understand and we struggle, we must believe that God STILL IS. He is ultimately in control and sometimes he uses such circumstances to bring us closer to Him. Tragedy hurts, but even in the hurt, hope in God’s comfort. He is an “ever present help in the time of trouble” (Psalm 46 v 1) and despite the losses, I am sure there are many stories of deliverance, hope and a restorative view of humanity. Our people are coming together like never before and showing love….God’s love.

Undoubtedly, much brokenness will spring forth from what has occurred over the past few days, but I believe God will use this “historic tragedy” to bring people to Him. There is hope. Lean upon Him. Talk to Him. It’s easier said than done, but we have to trust Him even when we cannot trace Him. He’s there. Quietly…in the storm.

Growing in Christ,

Hadassah