World Affairs

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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!

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