Where is God when Disaster Comes?

Have you ever thought of the similarities between Jesus and the comic-book hero Superman?

• Both existed somewhere else before they came to earth.
• Both cames to earth as babies.
• Both grew up like regular people.
• Both had a "normal" identity.
• Both possessed the power to do amazing things.
• Both used their powers to help people.

There are some significant differences, however. In the comics, when people needed help, Clark Kent would sneak away to change, and Superman would appear to save the day. He would catch the bridge as it fell, keep the airliner from crashing, stand in front of flying bullets - to prevent the disaster or to fix everything afterwards.

Jesus wasn't that kind of superhero. He was always who He was. People knew what He looked like, where He came from, how He talked. When He did a miracle, He did it as Jesus. He didn't go somewhere to put on a costume. And He didn't always prevent disaster. Some sick people died before He got there, so He raised them from the dead. And most of the miracles involved helping people one-on-one.

When disaster comes, many of us would like Jesus to act like a superhero who will fly in and dramatically fix everything for us. Jesus does not operate the same way that Superman does, but He is a lot more help than any comic-book superhero could ever be. All we need to do is call on Him, and He's there. He has promised never to abandon us in times of trouble. He usually doesn't choose to do away with the disaster and fix all our problems. But He's there to help us through whatever we experience.

If you're in the middle of a personal disaster, look around for evidence of God's presence. He's there in the hearts and hands of His people who care for the poor, the sick and the suffering. He can encourage you, comfort you, advise you, meet your needs, and give you the strength to keep going. And when the disaster has passed, He's there to guide you and walk beside you for the rest of your life.

Question to Consider: Do you know someone who is suffering? What can you do today to show the love of God to that person?