Open What Happens Now?

What Happens Now?

When a major disaster occurs, our capacity to deal with it is quickly overwhelmed. The combination of massive need and almost no time to prepare cripples effective response by governments and health care systems, and strains the infrastructure providing essential goods and services.

On a personal level, we struggle to find our way through the confusion, fear, and painful losses that come with this crisis.

Few of us have faced a crisis like this. Most of us haven’t had to cope with such dramatic changes to our daily routines. We haven’t faced the uncertainty of changing circumstances on this scale.

This disaster affects our every thought, every decision, and every action every moment of the day. We have no idea what tomorrow may bring. We may wonder if the stories we see on television today will become our story tomorrow.

Amid such turmoil, we long for comfort, stability, and hope. The Bible, God’s Word to humanity, is

Open Day 1 Help Me!

Help Me!

I’m stunned.

I had heard that surviving a disaster could be bad, but I never imagined it would be like this for me, my family, and my community.

It’s a lot worse than I expected.

Even if we do everything right, I can’t be certain that the people I love most will be safe.

What do I do now?
Where can I find help?

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We’ve all seen news about disasters. The pictures and sound bites of earthquake zones, floods, armed conflict, famine, and epidemics give us a tourist-like montage of the chaos. But they don’t begin to convey the uncertainty, loss, and pain these events bring to the lives of the people affected.

Coping with what lies ahead may take every bit of our strength and ability—and even more.

We aren’t alone when we feel weary, weak, or inadequate. Others have needed help during difficult times too.

The following passages from the book of Psalms were written by King David, a man who was all too famil

Open Day 2 Feeling Vulnerable

Feeling Vulnerable

So much has happened—and things continue to happen.

I can’t stop the onslaught of bad news.
I can’t even protect and provide for my home and family.

I feel so powerless and vulnerable.
The world doesn’t seem safe anymore.

One reason disasters are frightening is because they are beyond our control. We may know what’s happening, but we don’t know how it will affect us or how long it will take to recover.

We don’t know when—or if—our lives will return to normal. For many of us, that uncertainty doesn’t feel good.

When we’re used to depending on our own ability and power to feel safe, we may feel especially vulnerable when a disaster takes that control away. But while we’re powerless to help ourselves, God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, remains powerful and good.

We become strong as we connect with God, the life-giving power of the universe.

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The LORD loves righteousness and

Open Day 3 No More!

No More!

I’ve had it! I can’t concentrate on anything.

It’s so hard to remember what people are trying to tell me. I’m utterly exhausted, but I can’t sleep. I feel so nauseous I can’t eat.

I’m irritated with everyone and impatient about everything. I just want it all to go away!

Dealing with a disaster or crisis is difficult in so many ways. Every part of life may be disrupted by what is happening. Our normal way of doing things doesn’t work anymore. Getting anything done is a challenge, and there’s so much to do that we don’t know where to start.

Figuring it all out is very hard work.

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Simply doing our everyday activities reminds us of what we’ve lost and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Grieving these losses and facing our fears is emotionally draining. No wonder we feel overwhelmed!

But we can be confident in this: God hears our distress and offers us his presence.

Listen to my prayer, O God,
do not ignore my pl

Open Day 4 Is God Punishing Us?

Is God Punishing Us?

When I have a moment to myself, I wonder why God has allowed this disaster to happen.

Is God angry with us?
Is God punishing us?

Some people say he is, and that we deserve this. That makes me feel guilty about what’s happening.

Does God still love us, or has he turned his back on us?

The Bible tells us about a man named Job, who experienced one disaster after another. He lost every one of his beloved children, his financial security was wiped out, and he was miserably sick. Some of Job’s friends insisted he must have done something very bad to cause God to punish him.

Job’s friend Eliphaz even said:

Who, being innocent, has ever perished?
Where were the upright ever destroyed?
As I have observed, those who plow evil
and those who sow trouble reap it.
At the breath of God they perish;
at the blast of his anger they are no more.
Job 4:7–9

Imagine how Job felt after tha

Open Day 5 Unstoppable Tears

Unstoppable Tears

I find myself crying at unpredictable moments.

It’s bad enough when I’m alone, but when I cry around other people, I feel weak and embarrassed. I feel like I should explain myself, but most of the time I can’t.

I just feel unbearably sad and frustrated.

It’s not unusual to experience deep feelings of sorrow, anguish, or other emotions during a crisis.

Expressing these emotions, including crying, can be a healthy part of coping with and recovering from everything that is happening. And because of God’s great love for us, we don’t have to keep those feelings to ourselves; we can safely share our every heartache with God.

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God deeply understands the reality of human suffering and invites us to cry out to him when we are suffering.

When we’re upset, God feels our pain.

When we grieve, God grieves with us.

No calamity or emotional distress is beyond the reach of his redeeming love.

The hearts of t

Open Day 6 Who Understands?

Who Understands?

I thought things might be looking up a bit, but the news today wasn’t good.

I’m so discouraged and exhausted by this whole mess.

I don’t want to hear or see another news report.

I don’t need reminders that it could be worse.

I don’t want another smiling face telling me that going through this will build our character and bring us together.

They don’t understand what it’s like for me.

That’s true. None of us knows or understands what it’s like for another person to deal with this calamity.

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We may want to help and encourage each other, but we often don’t know how. So, without really listening, we may utter inadequate, quick-fix statements that fuel frustration and pain more than they offer comfort.

But there is someone who knows you intimately and loves you beyond what you can imagine. He knows every detail about you—every emotion and thought. With a complete understanding of your every need, he inv

Open Day 7 Is God Really Good?

Is God Really Good?

I can’t understand why God allowed this disaster to happen.

An earthquake, flood, tornado, or wildfire ravages a helpless community, claiming homes, memories, and lives, not caring who stands in its path or what it leaves in its wake.

It’s so unfair! How can God let this happen?

When we suffer a painful crisis, it’s normal to ask questions.

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We want to know who is to blame, why the crisis occurred, what could have been done to prevent it, what more we can do to stop it, and what God is doing in the midst of it.

Asking the hard questions is painful, especially when we come up empty and start questioning God’s character and role in what is happening.

We’re not alone in doing so. When Job lost his children, possessions, and health, he agonized about what had happened to him. He defended his integrity, he questioned God, accused God, and demanded that God answer him! Amazingly, God listened to Job’s every

Open Day 8 Alone in Grief

Alone in Grief

My heart aches!

People have lost their jobs and their homes.
Students are missing out on future opportunities.
Business owners have lost their income and their life savings.

And the loss of life is terrible.

I’m so discouraged I sometimes don’t know how to go on.

God didn’t create us to fend for ourselves in our grief. He placed us in families, with friends, and in communities so we can share the good times and bad times of life together.

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The Bible affirms the value of our human relationships—it tells us that two are better than one—and encourages us to love one another. Even a personal conversation or sharing a meal together can lift our spirits.

But what do we do when we are discouraged and weary? Where is our hope for comfort, and encouragement then? The Bible tells us about Elijah, a man who faced life-threatening chaos and felt so abandoned and alone that he gave up on life.

“I have had en

Open Day 9 Security in Chaos

Security in Chaos

Every day brings new changes in life.

Nothing—not even going out to buy bread or milk—is as simple as it used to be.

Everything is in chaos.

I’m becoming afraid of what tomorrow might bring.
What will happen if I can’t get food or medicine? Will life ever return to normal?

A disaster brings dramatic changes and uncertainty to everyday life.

The result is chaos. It’s very unsettling.

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As we adapt to a “new normal” of daily life on earth, we can be sure that nothing has changed with God. He still loves us. He is still watching over us. He is still our solid rock of hope and strength who promises to be with us no matter what disasters befall us.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake wi

Open Day 10 Longing for Community

Longing for Community

A disaster separates you from the activities and people that mean so much to you. And yet here we are attending church via our phones and computers.
I appreciate our pastor’s teaching, but I miss the fellowship, conversations, prayers, and encouragement so much.

Times of separation from our communities of support are hard.

God wants the members of the body of Christ to have loving, meaningful relationships with one another—relationships that we long for when we are separated.

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The early Christians had to bear with separation from their spiritual family too.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me … so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:30, 32–33

We always thank God for all of you and continuall

Open Day 11 Anger

Anger

Am I angry? What do you think?

I've lost my home and maybe even my job. I can't meet my family's basic needs. I have to rely on others.

Yes, I’m angry—very angry about everything!

It’s frustrating when we experience a major loss of control in our lives as we do after a disaster. When we have unmet needs that we can’t or don’t know how to resolve, feelings of insecurity and fear increase. These conditions fuel our anger, building up inside us to a point at which it can become destructive.

Anger isn’t wrong.

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Even God gets angry.

But his anger is different to ours, and he wants us to learn from him.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
Psalm 103:8–10

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of th

Open Day 12 Disconnected from God?

Disconnected from God?

I feel as if God is far away; cold and unfeeling.

Is he ignoring me? Is he too busy with other things? Does he still care?

I feel so alone. It would really help to know that God hasn’t abandoned me in my time of need.

From beginning to end, the Bible is the story of God’s love for all of humanity. The Bible assures us that God wants to live with and through his people.

God’s desire to be with us in all of life doesn’t change, no matter what our circumstances are or how we feel.

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When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt and brought them to the land he had promised, they faced frightening enemies. God knew they would feel alone, abandoned, and afraid. So Moses gave the Israelites an important message from God:

“The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be af

Open Day 13 Inseparable!

Inseparable!

It seems that the complications of this disaster keep growing out of control. As soon as we make one adjustment, we have to make another.

Each change drives us farther apart and isolates us more from one another. That’s supposed to be good for us, but I feel so cut off that I’m beginning to feel spiritually disconnected too!

Disasters of all kinds can disrupt our relationships—not only with family and friends but our relationship with God as well.

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Exhaustion from the stress of added responsibilities, grief from the losses we have suffered, and fear because of the uncertainty that lies ahead can lead to us feeling distant and isolated. We may question if our relationship with God is as secure as we thought it was.

Even if we feel spiritually isolated or uncertain of God’s love and presence during these stressful times, God gives us very good news.

Nothing can separate us from his love.

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Who shall

Open Day 14 Dare to Hope!

Dare to Hope!

It sometimes feels hopeless and impossible to go on.

The things I used to look forward to are gone, and I don’t know what to hope for in the future.

I keep thinking of that old saying: Life is hard and then you die. But I have a different take on it now. What do you do when life is hard and then you live?

The losses, disappointments, and trials of life can rob us of hope even when we desperately want to hold on to it.

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God knows our frailty. He heard the cries of Job in the midst of his great trials.

If the only home I hope for is the grave,
if I spread out my bed in the realm of darkness …
where then is my hope—
who can see any hope for me?
Job 17:13–15

God rejoiced when his servant David found joy and strength in the hope of the Lord.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be sh

Open Day 15 Feeling Stuck

Feeling Stuck

I keep thinking about everything that has happened since the disaster, the grief of the families whose loved ones have died, the sacrifices of health care workers and others who are trying to save people, the people who have lost their homes and jobs and can’t buy food or pay for their home.

I want to help, but I feel like I’m stuck in a nightmare.

The pain and losses of disasters are very real and will have a significant impact on each of us. It’s good to grieve the losses and to care about the suffering and needs of the people around us. But if we allow the feelings of loss and anxiety about our present to overwhelm us, we may feel trapped and anxious. We may lose hope for a better tomorrow.

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Jesus offers another option. He taught his disciples how to live without becoming overwhelmed by worry when they were in difficult circumstances and how to focus their thoughts in a better direction.

“So do not worry, sa

Open Day 16 Uncertainty—Guaranteed

Uncertainty—Guaranteed

Nothing will ever be the same.

There have been so many changes: how we shop for food, our sense of belonging, how we engage with our community, and even how we live as a family. I don’t know what I can rely on anymore.

It’s true. Life will be different for some time as we recover from the impact of this disaster and some things will never be the same. But changes, painful losses, and hardships don’t have the last word.

Being in difficult circumstances doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us or that life will never be good again.

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The Bible tells us the story of Joseph. He was his father’s favorite son, and his brothers were jealous of him. Joseph experienced difficult circumstances when his brothers sold him into slavery! Despite their betrayal, Joseph became a good slave in an important official’s household. The official rewarded Joseph by putting him in charge of running his household. But later, Joseph

Open Day 17 Gloom Lifting

Gloom Lifting

The fears and losses of the disaster are still with me, but some days I feel the gloom lifting.

The little pleasures in life are coming back.

I look for a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

I go outside to inhale the rain-freshened air after a storm. I welcome a call from a friend and laugh with my children.

I’m thinking about safe ways to reach out to my neighbors in need.

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We will feel the aftermath of this disaster for a while. Life on earth will never be perfect or painless. We won’t suddenly wake up to a life that is the same as it was before the disaster happened. We may grieve some of our losses for a long time. But we can be encouraged as we acknowledge the small signs of recovery and embrace the healing as it comes. That encouragement will grow as we take time to thank God for his provision, faithfulness, and love for us.

This psalm, written to thank God for his provision during a difficult time, reflect

Open Day 18 Not the Same Person

Not the Same Person

I didn’t expect things to be so different.
It’s a challenge to put my life back together in the “new normal” without the resources and opportunities we used to have.

We’re thinking about what’s important and making decisions about things we hadn’t thought about before.

I realize I’ve changed. I don’t look at things quite the same way I used to.

I’m not the same person I used to be.

When our life circumstances, daily routines and priorities, social relationships, or how we view the world around us changes, we often start paying more attention to who we are, what we value, and where we’re headed.

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The uncertainty and changes that a crisis or disaster bring may become a catalyst for transformation and renewal in our lives. We may have a fresh interest in discovering what is worth pursuing and holding onto in a changing world.

God our Creator loves us. He wants us to find a firm foundation in him and e

Open Day 19 Finding Joy in Life

Finding Joy in Life

Why did I live when others died?
The disaster was so random.
Life seems so fragile now.

We may want it to be different, but life is fragile. It doesn’t come with guarantees of happiness or longevity.

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While the Bible affirms how fragile our life on earth is, it also promises us something better.

The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him.
Psalm 103:15–17

Let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
That those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11

Because of God’s great love for us, the fleeting nature of life isn’t the end of the story. We can find lasting joy in life when we seek refuge i

Open Day 20 Moving Forward

Moving Forward

I’m feeling like I can move forward.

I’m beginning to feel that these difficult circumstances will end soon.

I want to celebrate and focus on my future.
But then I feel guilty and feel that I’m betraying the people who have died.

Life has recognizable seasons, cycles, and rhythms.

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It doesn’t stop for very long. When the chaos of this disaster has passed, this poem from the Bible will remind us that there will be a time for mourning, healing, remembering, and eventually a time to step toward the future.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a ti

Open Day 21 Contentment

Contentment

I have found myself in so many different situations recently. My mind replays each moment. I hear the sounds, see the images, remember the faces.

It’s not that I want to forget everything that has happened; I want to find peace from the flood of thoughts and have a new perspective on it all.

When we’re serving others during a crisis or disaster, we may have little to no control over our circumstances. We may have to work long hours without rest. We may have no choice about what’s on the menu (if there is anything). We may have to work with inadequate equipment or protection. We may be needed by far too many people.

These circumstances can be a breeding ground for discontent.

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Contentment in all situations starts with an attitude of trust and confidence in God’s faithful guidance and loving care for us.

Contentment can be strengthened by the people we spend time with.

A friend can bring a new perspective, supp

Open Day 22 Generous Love

Generous Love

I’ve always thought of myself as a generous person, but a strange thing happened when I went to buy supplies.

They were rationing some of the items we needed, and my first response was to get as much as I could! Even though we only needed one item, I got two because I could. Later, I felt guilty. What if someone who really needed those supplies didn’t get any?

Keeping a healthy, loving, and generous perspective in a crisis is a challenge—especially if you don’t know if you’ll have the resources you need to survive.

But your generosity helps to express God’s love and justice in the world, and you will be rewarded.

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Psalm 112:5

The Bible also tells us that our generosity will result in thanksgiving to God!

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion

Open Day 23 Sharing Comfort

Sharing Comfort

After the disaster happened I was alone and isolated. For someone who is driven to accomplish things, that time alone was torture.

I was too tired to eat. I was lonely and afraid.

Suffering often feels very lonely.

We may not have anyone to comfort us.

We may feel that no one understands what our suffering is like.

In one sense, our experience of suffering is unique, and no other person can possibly know exactly how we feel. In another sense, suffering is something we all have in common. When we experience God’s comforting presence in our suffering, we can share that comfort with others in their pain and isolation.

The apostle Paul experienced great suffering during his life and ministry—so much that he says he even despaired of life! Yet when he writes about those troubles, he describes them like a gift he can share with others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compa

Open Day 24 The Gift of Helping

The Gift of Helping

We lost our home and all of our possessions. It was humbling to accept help because we normally take care of ourselves.

We didn’t want pity, but we were grateful for the help.

Helping others during a time of crisis seems so simple. Yet helping can have a different meaning and impact depending on how it is given and who receives it.

For some people, helping is simply the act of providing goods or services for those who can’t provide for themselves. For others, helping expresses love and concern for the well-being of another person.

Offering help may be motivated by generosity or tainted by pity and guilt. Needing help may feel like a weakness or failure. Receiving help may inspire relief, gratitude, and hope.

Helping people in need, when it is done with sincere understanding, compassion, and love can have a lasting impact. Helping others can show people what God is like and how much he loves them. Consider the

Open Day 25 Love One Another

Love One Another

After the disaster I was alone without any family nearby.

I missed my family, coworkers, meeting with friends, and all of my usual activities. At times, the isolation made me feel like I no longer fit in and didn’t matter to anyone.

We were created to function in relationship with God and other people, so isolation has undesirable consequences.

When we feel lonely and insecure we can reach out to family and friends with a text, call, or email to express our love and concern for one another.

As people of faith, we also have the privilege and hope of uniting our hearts together and praying for and with one another.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another wit

Open Day 26 Choosing to Forgive

Choosing to Forgive

I keep wondering whose fault this whole mess is.

Knowing who to blame would do a lot to settle things in my mind.

When things are out of our control, when we endure difficult situations, when we suffer loss, it’s tempting to think that getting answers about what went wrong and finding out who is to blame will make us feel better. That’s why conspiracy theories often arise during times of crisis.

Answers may relieve the pressure of uncertainty and calm our confusion for a short time. But accusations and blame don’t change circumstances, nor do they improve our attitude and ability to cope with what has happened.

The truth is that dealing with a disaster is hard and complex. We don’t have all the answers. Unexpected things happen. A smart decision today may look unwise tomorrow. When we’re under a lot of the stress, we may judge people too harshly.

In hindsight, we all will have some regrets about what we’ve don

Open Day 27 Life to the Full

Life to the Full

I miss my old life.
I wish everything could just go back to normal again.

I know the difficulties and fears of today will pass.

Here and there I see signs of new life ahead.

But I don’t think life will ever be the same.

When the time comes to resume a normal life after surviving a time of crisis, we often approach it with great expectation. However, as we encounter the new reality of everyday life, disappointments and challenges may discourage us. But they also provide opportunities to pursue life in a way we hadn’t imagined before.

Are you open to the idea of living a life that’s new? Change gives us the opportunity to restart and build a better life. We can reconsider our priorities and goals. We can put our new perspective on life into action. We can work to heal old relationships. We can develop healthier habits. We can also reconsider what we believe about God and what he has to do with our life.

D

Open Day 28 Hope Restored

Hope Restored

Life can be so cruel.

One day you’re healthy and living as you always have, then suddenly, without warning, without doing anything different, disaster strikes and you lose everything.

I have difficulty accepting that life is supposed to be that way.

To me, life doesn’t seem so good anymore.
I’m questioning what it’s all about.

When God created the universe, it was perfect in every way. Everything God made reflected his image—his character, ideals, and purpose. Everything was beautiful and worked together exactly as he intended. But rebellion and sin against God shattered that perfect world. Chaos replaced God’s peaceful order, and the world has been living apart from its rightful relationship with God ever since.

So yes, the world today isn’t as good as God created it to be. The pain, sadness, confusion, and anxiety we feel in response to this disaster is what life feels like when our relationship with our Creato

Open Day 29 Living Well

Living Well

It’s been hard to live well after the disaster. Even the routine, everyday tasks of living aren’t the same. Just when I think I have it all figured out, things change again.

I’ve always been able to reach out and help others, but right now I don’t know what people need or what I can do to help them.

God created us to be his partners in showing his love for and providing help to people in need.

So it’s not a surprise that we feel fulfilled when we’re able to contribute to the well-being of others—it’s what God created us to do.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

When Jesus came to earth, he was generous, kindhearted, and comforting to many people. By caring for others, he showed us how to live well by loving well.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He h

Open Day 30 Strength for Tomorrow

Strength for Tomorrow

Dealing with the aftermath of this disaster has been difficult for me. But it has been very painful for people who have lost loved ones.

I hope we have the strength for whatever lies ahead.

Recovering from a disaster doesn’t happen overnight. Resuming and rebuilding life takes time.

Living with that uncertainty is a constant reminder of how little control we have over what happens tomorrow. But the Bible assures us that God is our hope and strength no matter what happens. Confident that God will empower the church to fulfill its purpose in making God known, even in the midst of great suffering, Paul writes:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and l

Open Conclusion

You may have experienced pain and loss before, but this disaster has changed your life in a deeper way. The pain and loss affects every part of our lives, and the loss of control is agonizing. Somehow, we know that this chaos was never intended to be.

When the world began, God’s creation was a place of peace. It was a place where humans enjoyed a harmonious relationship with him as they took care of his good creation.

But then those humans decided that their way was better than God’s way. They chose a path that tainted all human relationships—with God, each other, and his creation—with sin and death. Pain, struggle, devastation, and heartbreak have plagued human relationships ever since.

But God wanted to restore his creation, so he chose a group of people—the Israelites—to show his love to the world. But the Israelites struggled to be a part of the solution and the problem persisted. But God didn’t give up.

He sent his only son, Jesus, into