Earth has a history of catastrophic events. We have been witness to some natural disasters that have devastated the lives of people we know and care about. Tornadoes, hurricanes, sandstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are among the list of those things that we have seen and other widespread disasters.
Some natural disasters have human causes. For example, mismanagement of natural resources can contribute to droughts and landslides, carelessness can lead to huge wildfires and unsanitary conditions can lead to epidemics. But what about the disasters over which we have no control?
Natural disasters have a way of making us feel weak and overwhelmed. We are pretty small, frail creatures and if we get caught in the midst of such huge forces, we’re going. When disaster strikes on a large scale, the victims aren’t even given names. They are just numbers, statistics. When we observe natural disasters, it looks like we don’t matter much.
Jesus tells us, however, that God takes note even when a single sparrow falls and dies. (Matthew 10:29) And God even numbers the hairs on our head. (Matthew 10:30) So how can we believe that God cares for us as individuals when so many people suffer and die because of natural disasters?
First of all, what goes on in the world of nature is connected to human sin in ways that we don’t fully understand. The apostle Paul says that the whole creation needs to be “liberated from its bondage of decay” (Romans 8:18-22) When we humans brought sin into the world, all of creation was marred. Our world was changed. Somehow, when Adam and Eve sinned, all of creation was affected. One day, in a new earth, there will be no more natural disasters.
Second by reading about Jesus in the Gospels, we can get an idea of how God feels about those who suffer. Jesus healed the sick, restored the impaired, and comforted those in mourning.
If you are suffering from some disaster, you can pray to God and be certain that He will hear you. He feels your suffering and cares about you. You can also depend on His people, the church. They are God’s hands and feet. They can and will lovingly help you in Jesus’ name.
God desperately cares for those who are suffering. People who have experienced God’s love are motivated to show that love to others. If we want to effectively communicate God’s love to suffering people, our action much more effective that our words.
What are some ways God has helped you when you have experienced pain or suffering? Do you know someone who could use your help this week?
Read II Corinthians 8:1-15
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It is my choice. I can use my God given intellect to embrace His existence through faith, or reject it. I accepted Christ at the age of 12, but it is amazing how He has helped me grow closer to Him over the years. I know I will never fully understand everything about my Creator or His Holy Word, the Bible, this side of heaven. That is when I trust and choose to believe with a child-like faith described by Jesus in Matthew 18. My son taught me this lesson well!
As I was feeling overwhelmed by undone work, I could hear my son happily singing his three-year-old version of Zaccheus Was a Wee Little Man from his tricycle outside. I stopped folding laundry and looked out the window as Marcus’ tricycle wheel ran off the edge of the sidewalk. He sat for a moment and then looked upward praying pitifully, “Please God, help me. I’m stuck!” I whispered my own quick prayer that my little boy would not be disappointed when his tricycle did not magically become dislodged for him. My son then hopped off the tricycle and awkwardly pulled it back onto the sidewalk. He remounted and began pedaling once again. I could hear his joyful; “Thank You, God!” as he continued pedaling.
I put down the laundry and went outside to give my wise son a hug. I had seen the faith and gumption of a three-year-old, as he not only called out for help, but then he took action in order to overcome, got back on the right path, and joyfully went on his way. The task of unfinished laundry was put into its proper perspective as I chased my squealing toddler down the sidewalk.
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