President’s Post
It is hard to believe that Liberty University is already seven weeks into our academic year, and fall break is here. Many of you will spend this time back home with family, and others might spend this time catching up on studies and resting here on campus. However you decide to spend this break, I want to encourage you all to spend this time wisely. Time is a gift from the Lord and should never be wasted.
Carol and I have been praying for the residents of Florida who have recently been hit by the devastating Category 4 Hurricane Ian. This hurricane has taken a tremendous toll as it delivered 150 mph winds, heavy rain, massive flooding and claimed the lives of over 87 people. In addition, over 2.5 million people were evacuated, 1.1 million homes were without power and over $57 billion was lost in
property damage.
My friend Franklin Graham has mobilized disaster relief teams and an army of volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse to respond in Florida. Many search and rescue teams are working around the clock to pull people out from the flooded areas caused by this massive hurricane. Liberty University students will also be mobilized and sent in the coming weeks through our LU Send program. They will have the opportunity to serve these communities that have been devastated by this storm.
Hurricane Ian has had a tremendous impact already. Many families that have lost so much will never forget the devastation it has caused. This is always the case with the storms of life.
In life, we are guaranteed to walk through storms. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even in our lowest moments of life and amid heartache and pain, there is nothing outside of the knowledge of God, and there is nothing outside of the love of God.
One day, Jesus was on the Sea of Galilee with his disciples when a violent storm came upon them. The disciples were terrified as water spilled over the boat, but Jesus was peacefully sleeping below. They cried out, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” But Jesus rebuked the waves and calmed the sea. His disciples were shocked, saying, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27).
Jesus demonstrated that day that he was not only God IN the storm but also God OF the storm. There is absolutely nothing in life that we walk through outside of the power of God or the love of God. It is in the storms of life that the God of the storm demonstrates his strength in our weakness and his perfect peace. He says, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your
God” (Isaiah 41:10).
That promise is only given to those who have called upon the name of the Lord and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Have you experienced the peace of God? Only a follower of Christ can be a true champion in the storms of life. All of us are guaranteed a storm-tossed life, but just like Jesus, we can have the peace of God during those storms.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that in trials, we should not be anxious about anything, but in everything, we should make our prayers known to God so that the “peace that surpasses all understanding” can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
So how can you be a Champion for Christ in the storms of life?
First, cast all your cares upon the Lord Jesus Christ and call upon his name. Second, pray earnestly for the Lord’s peace and for his hand to work through a difficult and devastating situation. Third, respond in faith, knowing that while you cannot control the circumstances, you can refuse to be controlled by them. Fourth, look to be a help and hope to others who might be in the storm as well. That could be as simple as praying, giving and going to the hard places where people need the gospel of Jesus Christ
the most.
Finally, please join Carol and I in praying for all those whose lives have been impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Prevo is the Interim President of Liberty University.