Whether it’s a car crashing through a building, or a tornado knocking one down, we can’t help but wonder why such things happen. Sometimes we can discern a reason, sometimes we can’t.
When bad things do happen, we should first look within to see if God might be disciplining us for something we’re doing. He could be, but He may be simply reminding us how sin has effected the world. If we thought everything was fine the way it is, we’d long for nothing better, and never see the need for a Savior.
When a tragedy is obviously caused by man’s activity, we seldom blame God. But when a tragedy is pegged as an act of God, we struggle to understand why. An article by Hugh Ross, however, gives some understanding to the tragic events that happen in nature.
He noted that scientists are continually learning just how fragile life is in our world. Everything had to be fine-tuned within narrow parameters for life to be possible, and that balance must be carefully maintained. Catastrophic events that are kept under control help do just that. Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, floods, ice ages, droughts, diseases, parasites, etc. are all set at the optimal frequency and intensity to benefit humanity’s well-being, while minimizing the devastation caused by such things.
After detailing the vital life-dependent benefits that come from such events, Hugh reminds us that the Bible reveals a creator who is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing. And while it might seem as if God is standing idly by while many suffer and die, He sees what’s going on, and has promised to bring good from it.
While we must never minimize the tragedies that befall us, nor fail to show compassion to those who suffer from them, we must not forget that the author of life knows the optimal time for every human life to begin, and to end. And He will always do what’s ultimately best for each person—from His eternal perspective.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 