Sorbo Family shortly after moving from California. Father's Day, 2019

Using God’s Strength to Navigate Struggles:

A Prayer for Those Affected by the Los Angeles Fires

Kevin and I took our family out of Los Angeles six years ago this month, on the heels of the devastating Woolsey fire that laid waste to our neighbors and our neighborhood. Though our personal property was spared, we fully appreciated the tremendous destruction that the fires left in their wake. For us, this transition, wrought over a two-year span, became a renewal of family, coming together with our kids, who were in their last stages of maturation, and a strengthening of the bonds that connected us. This is what we wish for those impacted by the more recent maelstrom in California.

Life is filled with unexpected trials, and some of the most painful moments come when we experience great loss. During such challenging times, it is crucial to remember that God is our refuge and strength, and He offers a peace that surpasses all understanding. By relying on His strength, we can endure hardships, grow through adversity, and rebuild our lives in ways we may never have dreamed possible.

In Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This powerful verse speaks to the heart of our reliance on God. When faced with overwhelming struggles, like those who have lost everything in the fires, it can be difficult to imagine how we will continue. But this verse offers hope and assurance—through Christ’s strength and by keeping our eyes on the eternal instead of the ephemeral, we can endure, rebuild, and find new courage. It is not by our own power, but by God’s grace that we are able to rise from the ashes.

Remember the promise found in Isaiah 40:29: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." God understands the depths of human suffering, and He is quick to offer comfort to those in need. Those who have lost homes, loved ones, or their sense of safety may feel utterly exhausted, emotionally and physically drained. Yet, God's Word reassures us that He knows our trials and feels our pain. For those who are struggling to pick up the pieces, God promises to replenish what has been lost, guiding them as they rebuild their lives and communities.

The Apostle James offers another comforting word in James 1:2-4, where he writes: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." While it may be difficult to consider joy in the face of such devastation, James reminds us that even in our trials, God is at work. The suffering we endure has the potential to refine us, shaping our character and deepening our faith. The rebuilding process, though painful, may lead to a more profound understanding of God's love and provision, both for those suffering and for the entire community coming together to rebuild.

It's also helpful to consider we have all sinned and fallen short, so the blessings we enjoy in life are by no means deserved. Therefore, instead of shouting, “Why me, Lord?” we should instead wonder what we ever did to deserve anything good in our lives in the first place. Our friend Karen Seigmund of the American Freedom Alliance just wrote of her experience evacuating from the fires, typing in a coffee shop because her home, still standing (for which she thanked God) had no electricity. Her emotions, she said, vacillated between profound, paralyzing grief and incandescent rage.

She indicated that the entire area was suffering a collective trauma and shattering of any sense of security. But if our security is in our Savior, then the woes of the world hardly graze us.

She ended her note with “Meanwhile, embrace those you love, savor what you have, and if the electricity comes on when you flick the switch, rejoice.”

Through God’s strength, those who have experienced great loss can rise again. The fires may have taken much, but with God’s help, they will find restoration. In the midst of heartache, we are reminded that God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Even in the toughest of circumstances, we can trust that God will lead us through, bringing surprising enrichment, personal growth, and the restoration of hope.

Please pray for those affected by the fires. Here at Sorbo Studios, we offer this prayer for you to read if you’d like:

A Prayer for Strength and Healing:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up those who have been devastated by the fires in Los Angeles. Lord, we know that You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. We ask for Your comfort to surround those who have lost their homes, possessions, and even loved ones. Please give them the strength to rise from the ashes and begin the difficult work of rebuilding their lives.

Father, pour out Your peace upon those who are weary, those who feel lost and overwhelmed. May they feel Your presence in their darkest moments, and may they find hope in the promise that You will never leave them nor forsake them. Strengthen them with Your mighty power, as You have promised in Your Word. Let them find solace in the knowledge that through Christ, they can do all things.

We pray for parents to navigate their worries by turning to you, for their children to be shielded from pain, and for families to draw closer, even as they mourn. Father, use this tragedy to rebuild hearts and communities. May Your love unite those who are suffering, and may they find comfort in each other as they walk this journey together. Let perseverance finish its work, producing a maturity and strength that can only come from You. We trust in Your provision and Your timing, and we place our hope in You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.

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