Reading my title I am sure some of you may think that this is a huge testimony that God is our refuge and that His plan will prevail and so on and so forth. While I believe wholeheartedly in both of those statements, I am not here to share the obvious about being thankful in times of distress. I am not here to remind you that God’s plan can and will prevail and tell you that it isn’t okay to feel stressed out about the damage of the storm. I am here to offer some encouragement during a time that many are facing heartbreak, loss, and damage to places that mean the most to them. As I am surrounded by this cloud of worry that seems to be closing in on everyone affected by the great Hurricane Matthew, well my friends, Our God is bigger.

Many of you spent much of this week preparing to board up current and vacation homes, businesses and other precious belongings that will be undergoing the wrath of the storm. The news tells us that this storm has been compared to hurricane Sandy and hurricane Katrina that brought on too much damage and tragedy to count. But again, He is bigger. The alpha and the omega and the light everlasting created the same storm that traveled up the coast this weekend. He is also the one that will pull us out of the heartbreak, loss, and damage. The one that holds us in the palm of His hand has created this same storm and the one that gave it all is going to pull us through.

On many social media sites, I have seen video footage of this storm’s might as well as pictures of places that mean the most to my family and friends. Businesses closed down and those extra days are financially critical to, well anyone in the workforce and those dependent. While all of these things are matters to worry about, I want to encourage all of you to think about those who weathered the storm without refuge. Think about those in Haiti that had no idea what was headed for them. Most of all, remember that He is bigger.

As I receive phone calls that my hometown has weathered ole Matthew as well as updates through social media that feel both thankful and fearful for the days ahead, this verse comes to mind:

“And it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.” Exodus 33:22

God shows us His glory through both grief and happiness. Whether you are celebrating in triumph that your belongings and loved ones have weathered the storm. I also encourage those who were not as fortunate to wake up to that same reality to remember that you are shielded. Remember that He will sustain you, and as for Hurricane Matthew, remember that He is bigger.