Extreme weather and life's storms test our faith, but 'there is a place to turn,' pastor says

A pastor, faith leader, husband and father shared an urgent message of hope and healing for all those struggling with the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Milton, Hurricane Helene – and other types of storms in life that others may not be able to see.

“The Bible is very clear that we will face trials of all kinds, including storms both literal and metaphorical (James 1:2-4),” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn, Washington, at Fox News Digital. (See the video at the top of this article.)

“Storms are devastating and rob us of what is most valuable,” he added. “Storms break our hearts and humble us. Storms also remind us how much we need God's help.”

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“God’s grace and faithfulness make the difference in the storm – and we will weather it together.”

Bradley is senior pastor at Grace Community Church outside Seattle. He is also founder of the Just Choose Hope ministry (justchoosehope.org).

A scene of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida last week. “Storms remind us how much we need God’s help,” said one Washington pastor. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP/Getty Images; iStock)

Bradley recounted a relevant passage of scripture that has long comforted many worshipers.

“The disciples were in the boat when the furious gust approached and terrified them,” he said.

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“Jesus, the Savior of the world, was still in the boat with them. God is still with us and nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus.”

Bradley added, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our faith must often make up for that fact. Draw near to God because God's greatest gift is his presence.”

“There is a hope greater than our pain and loss.”

The pastor said the “best response” to any storm is to “seek and trust the Messiah – and care for others” who are also suffering.

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“The death and resurrection of Jesus reminds us that the most extreme trials are not the end of the story,” Bradley said. “Jesus has power over death, despair, darkness and the devil. While the enemy wills evil, God will prevail through His goodness.”

Mallory Tollett, 12, comforts her dog after a suspected tornado passed through her family's property along Southeast Azimuth Way as Hurricane Milton passed through Port Salerno, Florida, October 9, 2024. The ordeals of today “will pass away,” a religious leader said. , “but our relationship with God is eternal.” (Crystal Vander Weit Network/USA TODAY via REUTERS)

Bradley said that, sometimes, “grieving is necessary. But there is a hope greater than our pain and loss. Ultimately, heaven is our home – and Jesus is preparing a place for us there.”

He said a prayer recited regularly by millions is worth remembering.

“In the Our Father prayer, we ask God to give us our daily bread. As we care for one another and have the opportunity to be generous, God's love is manifested through these gifts. “

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“We become God’s instruments of healing when we share with those who are in need at this time.”

He also said, “We do not take our blessings for granted, but we continue to move forward with gratitude and make a difference with tangible presence and fervent prayers. »

Pastor Jesse Bradley of Washington is pictured with his family. “We do not take our blessings for granted, but continue to move forward with gratitude.” (Wayne Jackson)

Reflecting on some of the extreme weather events of recent weeks as well as the many other types of struggles people are experiencing, Bradley said, “Hurricanes remind us that we must unite with God and with each other. Jesus always calms the storms inside us. We. These trials will pass, but our relationship with God is eternal.

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He advised others: “Decide to follow Jesus through the fiercest storms. We have a place we can turn to. »

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“God has no shortage of hope and loving promises that we need to hear and believe. Let us turn to Jesus today because He is the Good Shepherd and His love endures forever.”

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He added: “We cry out to our faithful God, a rock and anchor for our souls. »