"WHEN DISASTER STRIKES"
INTRODUCTION
- In recent years, natural disasters have struck different regions of
the world...
- Tsunami in Asia (2004)
- Hurricane Katrina (2005)
- Cyclone in Myanmar (2008)
- Earthquake in Haiti (2010)
- When disasters like these strike, people often raise questions...
- Why did it happen? Did God cause it? If not, why did He allow it
to happen?
- What can I do? Does it do any good?
[Since the Ethiopian famine in 1985, I have often thought about such
questions. With the most recent disaster fresh on our minds, let's
attempt to provide some answers...]
- WHY DID IT HAPPEN?
- DID GOD CAUSE IT...?
- It is common to call such natural disasters "acts of God"
- Perhaps because God has used natural disasters in the past; for
example:
- The flood - Gen 6:6-7,11-13,17
- Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah - Gen 18:20; 19:24-25
- Famine, drought, pestilence, plague, war, earthquake,
against Israel - Am 4:6-12
- But it would be a mistake to attribute all disasters to the
hand of God
- Disasters are part of a natural process in a planet's
evolution and ecology
- Sometimes God simply allows such events to run their course
according to "time and chance", and so many experience
tragedies due to no fault of their own - Ec 9:11
- Some disasters are man-made (Chernobyl, Bhopal, bridge
collapses, forest fires)
- Suffering often comes upon the innocent - Job 1:8-22; 2Co
11:23-27
- Thus we should not make the mistake of Job's friends,
presuming guilt on those who suffer tragedy - Job 42:7
-- Without divine revelation, there is no way we can know if "God
caused it"
- THEN WHY DOES GOD ALLOW IT...?
- If God didn't cause it, why does He even allow it to happen?
- This relates to the overall problem of suffering, which God may
allow for several reasons
- It keeps this world from becoming too attractive,
encouraging us to seek something better - Mt 6:19-21; He
13:14
- It can bring out the best in people (patience, generosity)
- Ro 5:3-4; Jm 1:2-4
- It encourages people to think of God, to draw near to Him in
repentance
- Whenever the innocent and righteous die, we should bear in
mind:
- The death of the righteous is precious in the sight of God
- Ps 116:15
- The death of the righteous removes them from all suffering
and evil - Isa 57:1-2
- The death of the righteous is truly a blessing! - Re 14:13
- Even the innocent young are delivered from much heartache
and sorrow!
-- Whether caused by God or not, disasters can result in much
good!
[Which leads to our next question, which often comes from those
responding to disaster and suffering...]
- WHAT CAN I DO?
- AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY...
- As we have opportunity, we are to do good - Ga 6:10
- What we can do depends on what we are able to do
- Our skills, our resources
- Whether we are nearby or far off
- If the need is nearby, we may be able to help directly
- With skills like medical aid, trash cleanup
- With resources like medicines, food, clothing, shelter
- If the need is far off, we can help indirectly
- Supporting those with skills who desire to go
- Supporting charitable organizations (NGOs)
- Thoughts about charitable giving
- Give to established charities with experience in the
affected area
- Use guides like Charity Navigator to find one you can trust
- Send cash, not food, clothing, etc.
- While donating tangible items might make you feel better,
giving cash is almost always a better option - to understand
why, read these two articles:
- Cash Is Best - Center For International Disaster Information
- What's the absolute best way to help after a natural
disaster abroad? - Slate.com
-- Again, what we should do depends upon our opportunity
- DO GOOD TO ALL...
- As we have opportunity, we are to do good to all men - Ga 6:10
- Like the Good Samaritan - Lk 10:30-37
- Non-sectarian, charitable organizations are especially good
- I prefer non-sectarian instead of faith-based organizations for
general charity, because many of the latter teach false
doctrine while they seek to help - cf. 2Jn 1:9-11
-- We should not hesitate to help those who may not be Christians
- ESPECIALLY THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH...
- As we have opportunity, we are to especially help our brethren
- Ga 6:10
- Like Gentile Christians did for their Jewish brethren in Christ
- Ro 15:25-26; 2Co 8:1-4
- Churches can certainly send aid directly to such Christians
- 1Co 16:1-4
- Individuals can sometimes use other channels - e.g., Open
Hearts, Helping Hands
-- When we know of Christians in need, we should not hesitate to
help
- FINALLY, WE SHOULD PRAY...!
- It is our duty as Christians to pray for all men - 1Ti 2:1-2
- We should pray for those directly afflicted, and their loved
ones
- We should pray for those providing relief (governments, NGOs,
individuals)
-- The prayers of the righteous can accomplish much good - cf. Jm
5:16
CONCLUSION
- Disasters are terrible, but they can be occasions for much good in
this world...
- The wicked can turn to God
- The righteous can draw closer to God
- People can become more charitable, foes can become friends
- With faith in God and love for our fellow man, we can make the best
of the situation...
- Strengthening bonds between brethren
- Bringing communities together
- Appreciating what is really important in life
So in times of calamity, trust in God and reach out to aid your fellow
man...!