I want to talk to you about something very real and very close to all of us: when disaster strikes. From the very beginning of this world, disasters have happened, but in our recent years, we have witnessed some truly devastating ones — tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes. And every time one of these strikes, a question comes up: Why did it happen? Maybe you’ve even asked it yourself. Did God cause it? And if not, why did He allow it?
I know people often call natural disasters “acts of God.” And in some cases, God has used nature as a tool — like the flood in Genesis that only Noah and his family survived, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Throughout the Old Testament, God allowed famines, pestilences, and wars, especially against Israel. But hear me carefully — not every disaster is caused by the hand of God. Sometimes, it’s simply time and chance, as Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us.
And not all disasters are natural either. Some are man-made. Think about Chernobyl. The bridge collapse in Baltimore. Forest fires caused by human carelessness. These are not acts of God but of human error.
I want you to think about Job for a moment. Job was a just man — and yet he suffered more than most of us can imagine. He lost everything. His wealth, his children, even his health. Yet his suffering wasn’t because he had done anything wrong. Just like Paul, who endured beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments — not because he deserved punishment, but because he served Christ.
Sometimes, suffering simply happens. And without divine revelation, we cannot presume to know whether a disaster is a direct act of God. What we do know is that God allows suffering for reasons that can ultimately lead us closer to Him.
Jesus taught us in Matthew 6 not to store up treasures on earth, because everything here can be destroyed. He told us to lay up treasures in heaven. Suffering has a way of stripping away the meaningless and pointing us toward what truly matters.
Suffering also refines us. It builds patience, character, and hope, just as Paul wrote to the Romans. And often, it stirs people to turn back to God. Historically, when disaster strikes, hearts soften, and many return to the Lord.
And remember this: when the innocent or righteous die, they are freed from all suffering and evil. Their death is precious in God’s sight. Like Lazarus in the parable, they rest in peace, free from pain and struggle.
Now, you might be asking yourself, What can I do when disaster strikes? Let me tell you — you can do good. Galatians 6:10 urges us, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all.” That means using whatever skills or resources you have. Maybe you can provide medical help. Maybe you can clean up debris. Maybe you can simply offer comfort. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your heart.
Sometimes the help is direct; sometimes it’s through supporting others like missionaries or relief workers. And yes, we are called to help everyone — but especially our brethren in Christ.
We see this in Romans 15 and 1 Corinthians 16, where Paul speaks of collecting aid for Christians in Jerusalem. Helping the saints is a clear duty. And not just through physical help — but also through prayer.
Prayer is powerful. Paul urged Timothy to pray for all people — leaders, neighbors, strangers. James reminds us that the prayers of a righteous person accomplish much. Disasters are terrible, yes, but they also open doors for great good — for the wicked to turn to God, for the righteous to grow stronger, for enemies to become friends.
When disaster strikes, I urge you: trust in God. Reach out to help. Let your faith and your love for your fellow man shine brighter than the darkness around you.
