Christians debate about the subject of whether or not we should see God’s hand of judgment involved in natural disasters and terror attacks, wars, etc.
Two thoughts about this: 1. If God is responsible for these things, it would put humanitarian efforts by Christians in a position of our working against God and His purpose of judgment. That doesn’t make sense to me. Why would He destroy people through these things, yet want us to compassionately intervene to show His care and compassion?
2. Far better, to understand that we live in a fallen world, where bad things happen through sin and natural disasters. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” Bad things happen. Look what happened to Him! But He went on to say, “but be of good cheer – I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus also said, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; but I came that you might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
There is an enemy who hates God and all of those made in the image of God. He wants to wreak havoc. God has intervened through Jesus, and the final battle has been won through Christ’s death and resurrection. Read the book of Revelation and you’ll see that Jesus wins! The time is coming when there will be no more suffering, pain, crying, and death.
However, in this time before Christ returns, God does not always intervene to stop bad things from happening. But even though that is true, He has given us clear evidence that He is in control, and ultimately all be made right. The ultimate example of this: Jesus was killed. Perfect Goodness and Love Incarnate was rejected, reviled, murdered. That’s the worst thing that ever happened; and yet God His Father did not intervene. But God demonstrated His sovereign oversight and power: He took the blood of His Son Jesus and used it to atone for the sins of the world. Then, He raised His Son from the dead and gave Him the name above every name, proclaiming Him Son of God, King of kings and Lord of lords.
We can trust our Heavenly Father. He will make all things right. We can trust His love and wisdom, and know that He is all-powerful and in control, even when it doesn’t seem so. Jesus wins, and those who trust and follow Him will share in His victory. “Be of good cheer “, He said, “I have overcome the world.”