October 28, 2025 entered the history books as one of the largest and most devastating storms to have impacted Jamaica. While it’s natural to be concerned for the nation’s physical restoration, the highest priority is to pause, consider, and embrace the lessons God is teaching through the calamity. He uses every situation to accomplish His eternal purposes on earth, and you are a part of that.
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word. (Psalm 148:8)
The God of the universe is willing to use a hurricane, called Melissa, that whosoever will may receive what He desires to give us most – salvation, His heart of compassion, and more. Let’s explore some of the “more” …
CONTENTMENT IS LIFE, LIGHT, AND THEN SOME
And He said unto them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15 KJV
Sadly, contentment is one of the many Godly emotions that is a foreign concept for most youths. What’s more relatable and normal, however, is the feeling of boredom.
The sulking, the drooping of the shoulders, and just moping around the house are all too common for this generation. In the absence of the things usually engaged in for entertainment, some tend to experience a disease of the mind, which manifests in complaints, slothfulness, and even depression. What’s worse is the tendency to seek relief by indulging in time-wasting and sinful activities.
Considering that the hurricane has disrupted both power and internet services, phones, tablets, laptops, and televisions (if not already destroyed in the storm) are rendered useless. While some youths may perceive this situation as the end of the world, it truly represents God’s mercy. It is part of His character to remove the things we idolise and consume excessively in order to gain our attention and ultimately spare us from His eternal judgements.
To what end, however? Is He just selfish and craving attention? No! God is in love with us. He is giving us heavenly treasures, things truly good for us – like an opportunity to discover contentment and joy, which are not found in the things of this world, but only in Him.
To experience this contentment, you must first be honest with yourself about the things you love more than God. Next, consider why you prefer the “comfort” of these things to His peace and comfort.
Another treasure is the gift of a heart full of unconditional gratitude. For such a heart, whether it be little or much, it sincerely gives thanks and blesses the Lord for His daily provisions. God’s word applies and is above every circumstance of life. Even the scriptures say it is His will for His children to be thankful in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Note, I said His children, as this is only possible for those yielded to and empowered by His Spirit.
When we are content, we become thankful, and thankfulness shows that we are at peace (another treasure) with God’s will. Not only that, but thankfulness makes us full of the light of Christ instead of being darkened (Romans 1:21). It’s in shining this light that others will be drawn to Jesus. Such gratitude is very needful to overcome the darkness that goes beyond the absence of natural light and is seeking to flood and ravage the hearts of men.
Never forget, God has no qualms about disrupting the comforts of this life to give us the currency of His kingdom—the things that will rescue more souls from the kingdom of darkness (one of the main reasons He lets us remain on earth instead of taking us immediately to salvation).
SETTLE HERE
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
Here lies a timeless promise of God to all those who trust Him. Only He can give you a real future and hope that exceeds attaining natural possessions/achievements, influence, power, etc., and endures any trial in this world, as this hope is eternal in nature. It is the hope of a soul being eternally secured in Jesus Christ (and so much more).
This world is truly temporal and swiftly passing away, as Jesus’ return is even nearer. Melissa will not be the last disaster our nation will experience. The Bible foretells of global catastrophic events that will make this storm seem like mere child’s play.
The only way to maintain peace and hope, both in these days and the ones yet to come, is to wholly submit your heart to God, allowing Him to convert you into a citizen of His kingdom and fill you with His peace, joy, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). Your submission is the first step to understanding and appreciating the good things God offers you, even through a calamitous storm.
Darien Callum is a member of Passion and Purity, which is a God-centered, charity and para-church organization operating primarily in school, church, and media contexts. They aim to help others find their God-given passions and pursue same with purity.