S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Why does God allow earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, mudslides, and other natural disasters? Tragedies cause many people to question God's goodness. It is distressing...

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July 01 2013 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ni Jay Supporter Researcher into human reasoning

I hope my answer will be considered.

I am asked this question too. Why does God allow natural disasters like volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, land subsidence, tsunamis as well as man made events such as the 6 million Jews that were sent to the gas chambers by the Nazis, the 2 million Cambodians that were murdered by the Khmer Rouge, the annihilation of racial, religious and cultural groups by those who don't like them? Why does God allow babies and children to die even before they have had a life, people to be born with diseases and deformities and millions of childrens and adults to starve to death? I tried to understand how a loving, caring and a righteous God can allow all these things to happen? How do we reconcile the good news of the Bible with these realities we face in life? 

I was trying to work out the logic of all these until I asked the question 'How do you understand a father who knowingly and deliberately sent his son to be humiliated, tortured and murdered at the hands of enemies? Well isn't that exactly what this same God did to his loving son Jesus? That is when I realized that what we are trying to do is to find answers from human logic to questions of divine logic? It is impossible. All what we can do is come up with flawed logical explanations. That is why atheist scientists who cannot uncover the divine logic of how the universe came into being keep revising their theories in the light of every new evidence they uncover. The nearest they come to acknowledging and accepting God is to call it a big bang, something that came out of nothing, thus abandoning the very scientific logic that they say we should all follow. As Christians we are very fortunate. We have a divine Lord in Jesus who told us exactly how we should be and what we should do for others in life (The New testament) now that we have been saved through His grace. The inequities that we find around us offer us a huge opportunity to demonstrate our love for the Lord Jesus and through the Father.

February 23 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Mike Joshua Supporter Sinner saved by grace to serve and witness wherever I can

I wrestled with this question for a long time after accepting Jesus as my Saviour, but indeed the question "where was God when this happens or that happened" is also a prominent feature in the vocabulary of critical non-believers. 
This helped me to understand -

Isaiah 55:8-9King James Version (KJV)

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We will never understand why God allows things to happen: and my wife asks every day why He took her sister home to heaven leaving two young infant daughters and a husband with a farm to run behind. In the midst of the agony, hurt, pain, anger, frustration and helplessness we realised as a family that He holds all our futures in His hands and we learned to focus on the faithfulness of the innumerable good portions of fortune He has given as well in that He has given those girls a large family around them to support them, and a father still there to love them despite the loss of a mother. 
Every time we try to understand God we realise just how much we can't. He is God, He is in charge and rather than question His motives it is a warm embrace to place yourself in His hands and become part of His plans. In the absence of your conflict with His will in what the world calls "disasters that are His doing", look for the abundant blessings and faithfulness and thank Him rather than look to understand it all and blame Him for all we label as bad. 

We live in a sinful world is the overriding reason for all the evil and negative things. We need a Saviour and Jesus is that Saviour, He will give you peace that passes all understanding if you will only commit to Him and accept His sacrificial death on the cross at the hands of evil men. 
The evil and the bad will still happen, but amidst the storms of life having a Saviour will lead you through them to the other side and give you perspective while you fight in them.

November 11 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Teresa Wiltz Supporter Freelance writer and copy editor, Christian

Sometimes God may need to literally shake things up as a reminder that He is in control of our destiny—the Master Creator of everything above and under Heaven. This world continues to move at a downward spiral with people spinning out of control lost in sin. Contrary to popular belief, God is real and He is the only entity capable of creating and/or destroying all things in one single breath. The many earthquakes, twisters, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis and other natural disaster storms are all prophesied in the Bible for our edification as a judgment against sin to awaken our spirits to focus on what truly matters in life. 

Numbers 16:30–34—“But if the Lord brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the Lord with contempt.31 As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. 33 They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. 34At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, ‘The earth is going to swallow us too!’”

Sin is the ultimate cause of many disasters just as it is the cause of diseases leading to suffering and death. All of the innocent people, especially children who fall victim to such calamities will one day be reunited with our Lord God; but those lacking faith and who continue to indulge their sinful pleasures will forever be lost to eternal destruction. 

Natural disasters help to rattle our confidence in this life which forces us to step back and ponder over the significance of eternal life. They also tend to bring about unity in prayer and humility, teaching us how to be of service to one another during times of crisis. Churches are usually filled after natural disasters because people tend to realize how easily life can be snatched away in mere seconds. When the earth moves in a direction of unexpected chaos, millions of people begin reevaluating their priorities with a new found appreciation for Christ; seeking obedient lifestyles deserving of God’s saving grace.

Thousands of people are forced to evacuate their homes during times of earthly uproar, which can be emotionally overwhelming and difficult to comprehend. The Bible teaches that our God is almighty and in control over all things. His love and mercy requires our faith, trust and obedience throughout all circumstances. 

Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Whenever I think about overcoming the terror of unforeseen tragedy, God’s faithful servant Job springs to mind. Whatever unthinkable conditions cursed Job, he continued to praise God with unbreakable faith through his plight of flesh eating sores, financial ruin, and even the unimaginable loss of his beloved family members. As a result of his faithfulness, God rewarded Job by, not only restoring his health, but by increasing the measure of blessings in all other aspects of Job’s life as well.

Just as Job maintained unequivocal faith in God, we too are blessed with free will to emulate our lives after Job’s faithful words, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him” (Job 13:15), and “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21). God is praiseworthy and trustworthy, even during unexpected seasons of tragedy. As mere humans, we may not hold the answers to unanswerable reasons of why destructive events occur in this life, but God does and in the end, that is all that truly matters; and the magnitude of our faith and trust in Him.

John 16:33—“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There are countless reasons that God may operate through the face of tragic events; maybe He’s testing our faith, saving lost souls from eternal damnation, preparing the threads to sow a closer bond with Him, or to enhance our awareness so that we will remain focused on His Word. Whatever God’s reasons are, I am certain that everything occurs for the fulfillment of His purpose and glory.

James 1:2-3—“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray for divine peace to be the glue that holds us together during times of turmoil and suffering, resulting from natural disasters and all other emotional distress. I ask for mercy and love for all who remain faithful throughout life-changing circumstances. Thank You Father for granting us strength and wisdom in Your Everlasting Word; which provides us with the courage to overcome inevitable tribulations and all other obstacles of this life…in Jesus’ precious Name…Amen!

January 19 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Supporter Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

In my opinion God doesn't simply allow natural disasters to happen - these events are the active expression of his sovereign will over his creation. The world God created was perfect (Gen 1:31). God showed human beings what the word "Good" means through everything he created. But our first humans wanted to know what evil looked like so they ate the forbidden fruit. (Gen 2:9, 16,17; 3:6). As a result of human sin, God cursed the earth (Gen 3:17), death entered the human race (Gen 3:22-23) and God drove humans out of his paradise (Gen 3:24).

Every "Bad Thing" that happens in our world is a direct result of SIN - either our own personal sin or the sinful corruption of our world. God uses all these things to demonstrate his sovereignty. God is our creator and we are each accountable to him for our own personal sin. If we do not deal with our sin by accepting Jesus as our personal saviour then we will face God's judgement against our sin and spend eternity in hell. But for Christians, these bad things are also ongoing reminders that sin is still trying to corrupt our lives and we daily need to ask for God's forgiveness and cleansing (1John 1:9) and daily battle against the temptations that come, so we will live a holy life (1 John 3:4-10).

But the underlying problem we have reconciling how a "Loving God" could allow "bad things" to happen, especially to supposed 'innocent people - like children", is our incomplete and inaccurate understanding our God's nature and character. The enemy of our souls, Satan, wants us to have a concept of God like a "Santa Claus" or a "Genie in a Bottle" with only good things coming into our lives. 

God is Sovereign
Following are several examples that demonstrate God's Sovereignty:
Daniel ch 4, Gen 14:19,20,22, Deut 32:8, Psalm 46:4, Psalm 47:2, Psalm 57:2, Psalm 83:18, Dan 3:26, Dan 5:18,21, Dan 7:18,22,25, Hosea 11:7, Psalm 21 all, Psalm 59:13, psalm 66:7, Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 14:24,27, Job 42:2, Psalm 139:13-16, Job 14:5, Deut 32:39, Isaiah 46:9-10, Ezekiel 14:12-23, Job 36:30-32, 37:10-13, Isaiah 45:5-7, 2Sam 16:5-14, Luke 22:31-32, Job 1:8-12, Job 2:3-6, John 19:10-11

God is HOLY
There are hundreds of verses in the bible that show us what holiness looks like. Look them up and meditate on them.

God is LOVE
There are hundreds of verses in the bible that show us what God's love looks like. Four entire books of the bible - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are dedicated to showing us what God's love looks like. 

Years ago i discovered a book titled "Celebration of Praise" that helped "broader" and "deepen" my understanding of the God i worship and serve.

God's NATURE can be described using the following words (the book provides scripture references for each word):

Complexity, Eternity, Incarnation, Infinity, Immensity, Immutability, Reality, Self-Sufficiency, Simplicity, Totality, Unity

God's character can be described using the following words (the book provides scripture references for each word:

Able, Accessible, Available, Beautiful, Changeless, Complete, Creative, Excellent, Faithful, Forgiving, Generous, Glorious, Good, Gracious, Great, Healthful, Holy, Infinite, Invincible, Joyful, Just, Kind, Knowing, Loving, Majestic, Measureless, Merciful, Mighty, Patient, Peaceful, Powerful, Present, Radiant, Reliable, Responsive, Righteous, Secure, Sovereign, Spotless, Stable, Steadfast, Strong, Sufficient, Timeless, Truthful, Unique, Victorious, Wise, Wonderful.

As Christians we are to hold our Sovereign and Holy God in reverent awe and wonder. As Christians we are to rest secure in the Loving and Kind hands of our Heavenly Father knowing he is making all things new - starting with our born again life.

One day we will begin a new life on a NEW EARTH which will be the perfect world that God intended for us to live. And we get to stay there for eternity. This life is only a scratch on the line of eternity. When bad things happen in our world or to us - where will we put our HOPE?

December 06 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

P. B. Supporter Husband, Father, Businessman, Woodworker, Knifemaker...Slave

We are told in Isaiah 45.7 that God creates evil. 

Is God sovereign? Yes!

The Bible says He is. Prov. 16 says that He controls our steps, our words...our very lives and destinies. If God is sovereign, then He is in control.

God is sovereign over all events, disasters, souls, breath, rain, dust...everything.

Neither nature nor ourselves can do anything that is outside of His control. 

God is in control.

God is God, of the good and the bad. He is just as much God in hell as He is in heaven. God is in control of all that goes on in this world, good and bad, and we as His subject MUST submit to that.

April 25 2017 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Matthews Supporter Retired Professional Singer, Conductor and Seeker

Jesus, as one part of the Triune God, stated unequivocally that His Kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36 This is not God's world, it is man's world. Mankind is sinful. The earth is not sinful. The earth cannot sin.

Jesus, who is God in the form of man, does not cause natural disasters. The term "natural disaster" is just that; naturally occurring phenomena. Anyone who believes that Jesus would cause such disasters to punish sinful man is fooling themselves and others. Jesus preached love, not death and destruction or earthly retribution. 

Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus advocate a natural disaster for man's sinful nature. Jesus fulfilled the law with love. Love fulfilled the law. Romans 13:10

April 24 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker

The bible says in the last days these things will increase. And they have increased about 400 times in the last 10 years. Earthquakes, volcanos, floods, tornados, tsunami's and hurricanes. These are prophesied to increase more an more. Pestilence and perplexity of nations. 

These are all signs of the times. The bible says when you see all these things occurring, look up, because your redemption draweth nigh. 

We should be looking for His coming as their is a special crown given to those who are looking for His coming in the clouds to meet the bride, the church in the air. Not that if you are not looking you won't be raptured, but you will miss a special blessing and crown. It is an easy way to earn a crown in heaven. Their are four other crowns given.

When Jesus comes back for the church at the rapture, He comes in the clouds so that we meet Him in the air. When He comes back at the end of the tribulation, He comes back to the earth.

He has promised us, the church, those who have trusted His grace, that we will not go through the time of Jacobs trouble, the tribulation period. He has already take then wrath of God for us. John 3:36.

it is the tribulation saints that have to persevere until the end and not take the mark of the beast to be saved.

We who are saved by His blood sacrifice for all our sin will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. All believers have the Holy Spirit in them and are saved before the tribulation. The tribulation does not really start till the last three and a half years.

We are living in the most exciting time of the world since it began. Are you ready to meet your savior face to face? All we have to do is accept His full payment for all our sin. John 3:17 He did not come into the world to make us pay up, just the opposite. He came to pay our sin debt in full so that we could be saved by what He did for us. All we have to do is believe it to receive the free gift of salvation by grace. Romans 11:6 It is all grace, what Jesus did for us, not works, what we do or do not do, It can not be both. Jesus paid it all and we paid 0. Jesus blood sacrifice covers us from all sin.

AMAZING GRACE

September 17 2017 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report