CNN reports that evacuations are underway for Floridians to prepare for Helene, which formed as a tropical storm in the northwestern Caribbean Sea this morning (9/24/2024) and is projected to strengthen within 48 hours to a Category 3 major hurricane as it intensifies over the extremely warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
A hurricane warning was issued today for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center’s 5:00 PM (EDT) advisory, which may viewed for updates HERE.
A CNN map shows the projected course of the storm, which may change as the hours and days progress:
My brothers and sisters, with this being hurricane season, the warm waters of the Gulf Coast, and the projections of a major hurricane in development, the potential for injury, death and significant property damage are very real.
Let’s pray for the protection of all of those who live, work or have reason to be in the Florida panhandle and points northward this week. Let’s also lift up all of the first responders (e.g., law enforcement, utility workers) who almost certainly will be called upon to put themselves into harm’s way to perform rescues, clear streets and waterways, and to restore power, water and other utilities.
As we pray, let’s remember what scripture has to say about the importance of praying in faith!
The bible says that the Lord gives the believer peace and safety:
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; [f]or You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
The bible says that we have safety and angels given charge over us when we place our faith in the Lord and seek His presence:
Psalm 91:1-2 and 9-11 (NKJV)
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High [s]hall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; [m]y God, in Him I will trust.’ … Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, [e]ven the Most High, your dwelling place, [n]o evil shall befall you, [n]or shall any plague come near your dwelling; [f]or He shall give His angels charge over you, [t]o keep you in all your ways.”
Praise God(!) we can trust that our prayers are heard and answered by the Father. The bible tells us that as followers of Christ, when we pray in faith, without doubting (and in line with the will of God), we shall have whatever thing(s) we ask:
Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV)
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘[b]e removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them [emphasis mine].”
Matthew 18:18 (NKJV)
“Assuredly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 18:19 (NKJV)
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”