by Ronald B. Webb, Jr.
From time to time everyone will make plans – whether planning for a wedding ceremony, a social gathering, a vacation, the next career move or what’s for dinner – plans are constantly being made about numerous things all of the time. One of life’s most interesting questions is: “What does one do when things do not go according to plans?” People have the right and the responsibility to plan, but God has the right and the responsibility to allow those plans to be changed.
Often, we face unplanned situations for which there was no desire nor intention to experience: a debilitating illness, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, marriage ending in divorce, a strained relationship. Nearly a week ago, the storm named Helene strongly intensified to a category 4 hurricane and left a path of destruction, despair and dismay in several southern states. The storm left in its wake, displaced families, loss of life, severe property damage and crippled infrastructure. The impacts of the storm are most evident on the Florida Gulf Coast and in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Due to its rivers and topography, the city of Asheville and surrounding areas have suffered the unthinkable. There is still limited access to food, water, gas, cell service, electricity and other basic necessities. It will be several weeks before life in this region returns to “normal”.
In times like these, emotions and stress are high, and in these moments, the followers of Christ must be committed to adhering to Godly principles even though times are hard. Situations like those caused by Hurricane Helene will bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. It is amazing to hear stories about neighbors checking on each other, helping cut fallen trees and providing food and supplies. Conversely, it is troubling to know that opportunistic, egotistical malefactors take more than their fair share of supplies, loot and rob storm-damaged stores, and run scams to take money from those already suffering from tragedy. Prayerfully, the children of God in these seemingly, and for some literally, dark moments will follow the advice of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 5.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:14, 16b
The book of Acts opens with a narrative detailing the actions of the disciples and Jesus’ followers immediately following His ascension. These persons were dedicated to the cause of Christ and were undoubtedly experiencing a wide range of emotions because of Jesus’ recent death, burial and resurrection followed by His leaving them for good. There must have been feelings of disappointment, confusion, grief, uncertainty, and even anger because the person they admired and loved was suddenly and unexpectedly gone. Just like that, in an instant, their lives were forever changed because Jesus physically would no longer be with them. However, in the midst of this sudden and unexpected change, God had already prepared a remedy for them promising to send the Holy Spirit to be their Helper, Comforter and Guide. It is reassuring to know that even in life’s most difficult moments, God always has provisions prepared for His people. The apostle Paul referenced this notion in his letter to the church at Philippi.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
How the disciples responded to the sudden and the unexpected over 2,000 years ago gives believers today a template to follow in similar situations. The followers of Christ did four things that are instructive.
Obeyed the Master – Jesus told His followers to go to Jerusalem and to wait to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. In obedience to Jesus’ command, about 120 of His followers went to what we call the “Upper Room” and waited for 10 days. They did not allow their emotions nor the stress of the moment to cause them to stray from the path to which Jesus had pointed them; they stayed the course while wrestling with the concerns of life. The same is true for God’s people today; they cannot allow disappointment nor fear to cause them to turn their backs on the ways and will of God. Even in the most difficult times, believers must stand firm on the virtues of love, peace, joy and hope.
Handled Their Business – Judas had betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver the night before the crucifixion. Realizing the grave mistake he made, he repented by returning the money to the religious leaders at the temple and hanging himself from a tree. His death meant the number of disciples had ben reduced from 12 to 11. While in the Upper Room, Jesus’ followers handled the business of selecting a replacement for Judas. The example set for us today is that business must be handled even when emotions are running high – decisions must be made, financial obligations must be met, loved ones must be cared for, provisions for basic needs must be secured and businesses, schools and churches must be reopened. Simply stated, unwanted, negative situations cannot give way to abrogation of responsibility.
Came Together in Unity – One of the most popular phrases from the book of Acts describes Jesus’ followers on the day of Pentecost as being “with one accord in one place”. The words “one accord” and “one place” make it clear there was unity in the Upper Room. Although there were people of different genders, ages, occupations and religious roles, they were able to put aside any differences and joined together for a common goal and a common purpose. This “one accord” mentality is essential for forming the necessary foundation for the recovery, rebuilding and restoration of the Asheville community. The hope of healing is increased by a willingness to find common ground and to work together in a spirit of oneness. In these unfortunate days of violent rhetoric and polarized political views leading up to a presidential election, it is incumbent upon all to look past personalities and platforms to see Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Waited for the Promise – Those who had gathered in the Upper Room were not told how long it would take for the Promise from the Father to come – it could have been weeks, months or even years. Regardless of how long the wait was to be, the followers of Christ demonstrated a willingness to patiently wait for however long it was going to take. On the tenth day after Jesus’ ascension, the Promise was fulfilled, and the Holy Spirit filled the place where the were sitting and endued them with power to be His witnesses. God has made many promises to His people, and they WILL come to pass. Rest assured that storm waters nor flooded streets nor damaged infrastructure can stop, block or deter the promises of God. The promise is on the way – WAIT for it! The prophet Isaish eloquently encapsulated this sentiment by writing the following.
“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:30, 31
My dear friends, words are woefully inadequate to describe the events that transpired in the Asheville area over the past week. My heart breaks seeing the damage to stores where I shopped, parks where I walked and restaurants where I ate. Seeing the footage of the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers rolling down streets carrying with them debris, devastation and destruction brought tears to my eyes. It pains me to know that many people I love – my neighbors, my friends and my church family – are suffering this kind of calamity. However, I am encouraged today because the biblical record gives us a blueprint from the Book of Acts describing how we should respond in this moment. I know we can successfully navigate the days and weeks ahead if we follow the example demonstrated by the 120 followers of Christ gathered in the Upper Room. Asheville can and will “build back better” if we do the following:
obey the Master,
handle our business,
come together in unity, and
wait for God’s promises.
Finally, my brothers and my sisters, remain cognizant of and be encouraged by this immutable fact:
in the midst of the sudden and the unexpected there is always a BLESSING!
To learn more about St. John ‘A’, click here.
