08/14/2026
Normally on Fridays, I share a word of motivation to encourage someone as we close out the week. But this Friday feels different.
Today, I don’t simply want to motivate you. I want to pray for you.
Over these past few weeks, severe storms have moved throughout Chicago, the South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana, leaving behind widespread power outages, flooding, downed trees and damage throughout our communities.
Even Christ For Everyone is currently without power.
But my heart today is with every person and every family who has been impacted.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for the family sitting in the dark, wondering when the lights will come back on.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for the senior citizen who may be alone, afraid or unsure of what to do next.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for the family looking at damage to a home they worked years to build.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for the parents trying to keep their children comfortable and calm while navigating an unexpected crisis.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for those who have lost food, missed work or experienced an unexpected financial burden because of these storms.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for those whose health and medical needs make losing electricity more than an inconvenience.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for every first responder and emergency worker who has been serving our communities.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for every utility worker who has been working long hours, away from their own families, trying to restore power to ours.
🙏🏾 I’m praying for every community that has been hit and every person who is simply tired and ready for life to return to normal.
Psalm 46:1 declares:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
And that’s what I want somebody to remember today.
God isn’t only present when the storm passes.
God is present in the storm.
He’s present while you’re waiting.
He’s present while you’re rebuilding.
He’s present while you’re sitting in the darkness.
And He will still be there when the lights come back on.
This weekend, let’s be intentional about checking on one another. Check on our seniors. Check on your neighbors. Call someone you haven’t heard from. If you have something that someone else needs, help them.
Because sometimes the greatest sermon we can preach isn’t behind a pulpit.
It’s how we love our neighbor when they need us most.
And while our building may currently be without electricity, I’m reminded of something:
Buildings can lose power, but the Church should never lose its light.
Chicago, the South Suburbs, Northwest Indiana and every community affected by these storms, we are praying for you.
May God cover every family, protect every home, strengthen every worker, comfort every heart and bring restoration to our entire region.
We will get through this together. 🙏🏾❤️
Pastor Dan
