Sunday Recap: Hope in the Storm
This week at Legacy City, we continued our At The Movies series with Twisters (2024) — a film about tornadoes, disaster, and the people who risk their lives to bring hope in the middle of catastrophe.
Storms make a fitting metaphor for life. Some storms are literal, like Hurricane Helene that devastated our city a year ago. Others are personal: a cancer diagnosis, an unexpected divorce, the loss of a job, or the weight of anxiety and grief. And sometimes, we face storms as a nation — like the recent tragedy that left so many hurting and searching for answers.
The Bible doesn’t hide from the reality of storms. In fact, Jesus told us plainly in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
On Sunday, we explored two storm stories from the gospels that remind us of God’s power and presence:
In Mark 4, Jesus calmed the storm with just a word, showing His authority over creation itself. The disciples learned that storms may shake our lives, but they do not shake the One who holds our lives.
In Matthew 14, Jesus walked on the waves toward His disciples and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Hope isn’t found in the absence of storms — it’s found in the presence of Christ in the middle of them.
From these stories — and from the film — we were reminded of four key truths:
Storms will come. Following Jesus doesn’t exempt us from pain, but it does mean we are never alone in it.
Our control is limited, but God’s sovereignty is not. We often reach the end of ourselves, but God is never at the end of His strength.
Hope shines in the midst of catastrophe. Jesus speaks peace right in the middle of the chaos.
The cross is our ultimate shelter. No storm of sin, death, or judgment can overcome the love of Christ.
Whatever storm you’re facing today — whether personal, communal, or national — remember this: catastrophe does not have the final word. Christ does. He is our refuge, our anchor, and our hope.
As Hebrews 6:19 reminds us: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
