“God does not always promise to deliver us out of the storm, but He promises to lead us through the storm” — Dr. Robert Jeffress

DALLAS — Dr. Robert Jeffress, the pastor of the 13,000-member First Baptist Church of Dallas issues the following statement calling for prayer for those threatened by Hurricane Florence, which is being described as “large and violent” and “a beast like no other,” and is prompting the evacuation of more than 1.5 million people from coastal areas:

“On behalf of all of us at First Baptist Dallas and Pathway to Victory, I call on Christians everywhere to join me in praying for those facing this deadly storm, both for the residents and for the first responders whose job is to run toward danger.

“Pray for their protection from wind, storm surges, floods and their effects. Pray for their safety as they evacuate and for their strength when they return. Pray that God will replace their anxiety with the peace that passes all understanding. And pray that they will feel the Father’s nearness to them, for ‘the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18).

“I also want to offer a special word to those confronting the fury of these storms. Every storm that comes into your life is designed by God for a great purpose — the strengthening of your faith. However, it is important to understand that Satan desires to use the very same storm to destroy your life.

“With every storm also comes a promise: God will safely deliver us through the storm to the other side, just as He delivered the disciples (Luke 8:22-25). God does not always promise to deliver us out of the storm, but He promises to lead us through the storm as He declared in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”

Dr. Robert Jeffress is a best-selling author of 24 books, a nationally and internationally syndicated TV and radio host and the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the largest and most influential churches in America. Pathway to Victory, Dr. Jeffress’ broadcast ministry, airs daily nationwide on more than 900 radio stations and is broadcast live to 195 countries. His latest book, Choosing the Extraordinary Life: God’s 7 Secrets for Success and Significance, is available in bookstores everywhere. He is an evangelical adviser to the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.