All of us have felt the impact of disaster in one way or another. Whether it is the horrific, catastrophic images we’ve seen on the evening news or we’ve weathered the storm ourselves—each of us has been affected by the reality of pain, suffering, and death.

The universal language of pain and suffering moves total strangers to give generously to make the lives of others more bearable. It motivates thousands of volunteers to put their lives “on hold,” often at great personal sacrifice, to help those who are suffering. Working together in hard circumstances, rescue workers and volunteers bring rescue and hope to those who are desperate, helpless, and often clinging to life.

Though we may avoid destructive disasters, we know that we cannot escape the “personal disasters” of life. An auto accident, a major illness, a divorce, the death of someone close to us, the loss of a job… these also come with pain, suffering, and—very often—personal devastation.

Assessing risks

Disasters remind us that life is fragile, the future is unpredictable, and many things are beyond our control. When we realize how vulnerable we are, we need to know there is hope. We want assurance that others care what happens to us, and that they will make an effort to help us survive and recover.

Amazingly enough, the greatest impending tragedy people face isn’t one we give much thought to. Yet it poses the highest degree of danger and has the most lasting consequences. That disaster is entering eternity separated from God. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” the Bible says in Romans 3:23. And by falling far short of God’s standard of goodness we earn a disastrous paycheck: “The wages of sin is [eternal] death” (Romans 6:23). It’s a disaster that we can’t rescue ourselves from.

Because God wanted to do something about the pain and suffering that sin causes, he sent the ultimate volunteer—his Son, Jesus Christ—to free us from sin’s power and eternal consequences. At great personal sacrifice, Jesus voluntarily became one of us to set the rescue plan in motion.

For over 30 years he withstood the same kinds of temptations and hardships we face, but without ever once sinning. Then, having lived a perfect life, Jesus allowed his enemies to crucify him on a Roman cross. In his death he took upon himself the punishment of the sins of the entire human race. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree [cross]” (1 Peter 2:24). “Christ… suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18)!

Accepting rescue

Our rescue has everything to do with our relationship with God’s rescuer—Jesus. The Bible says that “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It also says, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son [to die in our place], that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Thanks to the completed work of Jesus for us, the rescue plan is clear: Admit that your own sinfulness has created a spiritual “disaster.” Then agree with God that the only way you can be rescued from the judgment of your sins is to believe that Jesus paid the punishment for them on your behalf. Believe that what Jesus did long ago makes your spiritual rescue possible today.

Do you want hope? Jesus is the greatest giver of hope! He didn’t stay dead, but rose from the grave three days later. And though Jesus told those closest to him, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), he also assured them, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). He wants to begin making a difference in your life now!

We were not meant to survive independently from God. He created us to be in relationship with him. When life is full of uncertainty and more than a little disaster, there’s nothing like having God say “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), and “Fear not, I am the one who helps you” (Isaiah 41:13).

Would you like that kind of relationship as you face whatever is ahead for you in this life… and to be prepared for eternity, as well? Are you willing to accept God’s rescue plan?

If you are, you can put that desire into words like these: “Dear God, I do believe that Jesus took my place and died on the cross to save me from the punishment of my sins. Because of what Jesus has done for me, I trust you now to forgive me of my sins and give me eternal life. Thank you for rescuing me from eternal disaster. Amen.”