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By Brandon Baggett

In late September, a deadly and destructive cyclone ripped through the United States. Hurricane Helene was her name, and her damage was immense. Helene caused billions of dollars in damages, took the lives of hundreds, and caused catastrophic tornadoes, rainfall, and flooding throughout various southern states. 

As it currently stands, a staggerings 250 deaths have been attributed to Helene, and over 200 people are still missing. Helene is the strongest recorded hurricane to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland since Katrina in 2005.

Cindy Cole, a 62-year-old grandmother from Nashville, Georgia, was among the many people affected by this terrible storm. As Helene barreled through rural south Georgia, Cole’s home was crushed by the power of the mighty storm. Among the devastation, though, she had one special possession completely untouched by the hurricane. Although her bedroom was destroyed by the storm, her Bible remained still standing. Amazingly, her Bible withstood the hurricane, and her incredible story has now been reported by new stations throughout this country. 

God’s word will stand forever! The phrase “the word of our God will stand forever” appears in Isaiah 40:8, and it’s later quoted in 1 Peter 1:23–25 where Peter applies the quotation to God’s word of salvation. God’s word is eternal, its wisdom will never be outgrown, and it can never be destroyed by men. 

Individual Bibles may be burned, torn, or discarded, but “forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89 ESV). Thankfully, God’s word isn’t the only thing that will last forever. Those who build their lives on the teachings of Scripture will live on and on also.

Brandon Baggett is preaching minister at Luverne Church of Christ.