Hope Beyond the Storm

This issue of Beyond Today goes to press amid sobering events. The destruction wrought throughout the U.S. Southeast by Hurricane Helene in late September is vast and horrific. Many are still missing and feared dead, even as another powerful hurricane, Milton, is about to strike the Florida coast-the results of which you'll know by the time you receive this magazine.

Helene was slowed to a tropical storm by the time it hit North Carolina, but it effectively dropped a water bomb on the area. Hillside homes seemed secure, but the torrential rains caused subsidence of the underlying clay, resulting in vast mudslides into the valleys below. Untold lives and livelihoods were swept away in rivers of wreckage and debris.

We mourn as we take in the suffering and damage. Seeing some children wandering about searching for their missing parents was truly heartbreaking. People often wonder in looking out over such calamity why a loving God would allow this. Of course, we don't know all the reasons, though Scripture gives us many answers. (For more insight, we would encourage you to request or download our free study guide Why Does God Allow Suffering? And search our website ucg.org for "Natural Disasters: A Biblical Perspective.")

But one thing we should realize is that this present age is not God's world. It is a time characterized by human rebellion against God under the influence of Satan. Mankind for the most part is cut off from God, though He still intervenes at times in response to prayers and to bring about His overall purposes.

In a sense, "this present evil age," as the apostle Paul called it (Galatians 1:4), may be likened to a catastrophic storm bringing widespread misery and death. And the only way to bring calm to the storm surrounding us and to see its ultimate end is through Him who has the power and will to save us. When Jesus Christ and His disciples were caught in a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee, with their boat taking on water, they cried out to Jesus, who "rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm . . . And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!'" (Mark 4:37-41).

We certainly pray for help and comfort and rebuilding of lives for those who've suffered in the recent hurricanes. But more than that, we pray that they and everyone will find peace through the One who calms not just the physical storms, but the storms of life and even the great storm that buffets the whole world.

Our cover story for this issue focuses on man's plea for deliverance amid the drowning chaos of this age. So many think a solution will be found in our political leadership, but the real answer lies with the mighty hand of God extended through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Human government is just not up to the task. Many complained in the wake of Helene's destruction that the federal government's response was slow, dismal and misdirected. Many individuals pitched in to help, which was encouraging to see, but the needs were far greater than volunteers could attend to.

The results of the U.S. national election will be taking shape as you receive this issue, and that's an important matter, affecting lives throughout the country and abroad. But what's most important to recognize is that no matter who wins, the storm of this age still rages-and it's only through God that we can experience peace now and be brought to the ultimate solutions His coming intervention and Kingdom will bring.

Learn about that deliverance in this issue and about preparing for it. Rest assured, there is great hope beyond the storm.

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Hope Beyond the Storm

The devastating impacts of recent hurricanes urge readers to seek peace and hope through faith in God rather than human efforts alone. True deliverance and ultimate solutions lie in God's future Kingdom, beyond the turmoil of this world.