Why does God allow natural disasters

[Chad]

"Why does God allow natural disasters, i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis?"
Bible Questions Answered

Why does God allow earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, mudslides, and other natural disasters? Tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2008 cyclone in Myanmar, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and the 2011 earthquake/tsunami near Japan cause many people to question God’s goodness. It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. God created the whole universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.

The Bible proclaims that Jesus Christ holds all of nature together (Colossians 1:16-17). Could God prevent natural disasters? Absolutely! Does God sometimes influence the weather? Yes, as we see in Deuteronomy 11:17 and James 5:17. Numbers 16:30-34 shows us that God sometimes causes natural disasters as a judgment against sin. The book of Revelation describes many events which could definitely be described as natural disasters (Revelation chapters 6, 8, and 16). Is every natural disaster a punishment from God? Absolutely not.

In much the same way that God allows evil people to commit evil acts, God allows the earth to reflect the consequences sin has had on creation. Romans 8:19-21 tells us, “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” The fall of humanity into sin had effects on everything, including the world we inhabit. Everything in creation is subject to “frustration” and “decay.” Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering.

We can understand why natural disasters occur. What we do not understand is why God allows them to occur. Why did God allow the tsunami to kill over 225,000 people in Asia? Why did God allow Hurricane Katrina to destroy the homes of thousands of people? For one thing, such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity. Churches are usually filled after disasters as people realize how tenuous their lives really are and how life can be taken away in an instant. What we do know is this: God is good! Many amazing miracles occurred during the course of natural disasters that prevented even greater loss of life. Natural disasters cause millions of people to reevaluate their priorities in life. Hundreds of millions of dollars in aid is sent to help the people who are suffering. Christian ministries have the opportunity to help, minister, counsel, pray, and lead people to saving faith in Christ! God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).

 

[DanielO]

Excellent post, i would only add:
<DIR>Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
</DIR>

 

[DanielO]

Sorry, i don't know why that happened.

 

[Davy]

You are quite right in stating that everything went wrong when mankind fell in to sin. In the garden of Eden account, Satan called into question, the truthfulness of God's word, stating that God was lying. In Genesis 3:4, 5: (NASB) the serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Satan, by saying this, also called into question God's Sovereignty, His right to rule as Almighty God, by stating Adam and Eve did not have to obey Him, they could eat the fruit of the tree of good and bad and be like God, so that they would be able to govern themselves and no longer obey the lying Almighty God.

Sadly, Adam and Eve listened to Satan rather than God. As a result God has allowed time to demonstrate who's form of rule is superior. Adam and Eve ruling themselves, or obeying God which they choose to reject. That is why we see so many disasters, God could intervene, but He is allowing time to demonstrate man's rule of himself is disastrous. At God's choosing these issues will be resolved, He will intervene in man's affairs by bringing about Armageddon and Jesus Christ will rule over mankind for 1000 years, then God will demonstrate his rule is superior to man's disastrous rule. Jesus demonstrated he could control the elements, and will do, to create a paradise earth, free from sickness and natural disasters. Isaiah 33:24 (NASB) promises: "And no resident will say, "I am sick"; The people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity." Revelation 21:3, 4, (NASB) warmly encourages us: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them , and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

It is not God's fault natural disasters happen, He gave our original parents a choice, obey Him or do their own thing and rule themselves through freewill, which is why we have natural disasters.

 

[chicken little]

I would only add


NOT" where is god in natural disasters"
because he gave all authority to man to rule even before the fall.

so where in japan was the christians with only the faith of a mustard seed? that tiny little amount of faith that can move mountains and stop the waves and storms ? where are they ?
where were the christians in japan, who can like their father in heaven and the disciples before them when handed results of this world " death" can even create life from it and in it ?
not where is God? this is not his land .. he gave it to man even before the fall.
this place is ours to rule!! where were the praying christians? the ones who know their place and know their obligations and are responsible to their Father for their own lands?
God is always there. but it is the WE who have to give it to him before he can work and protect and guard and provide. it is we who have to command the elements to submit only to him.. we are it's covering . we are the ones who command the elements to submit to him and no one else . where were the christians who should have commanded the wave to stop?
SO where were the children of God in Japan?
the question is never "where was god" that the world loves to ask..
Because He has been there waiting patiently all along .. to do for our good! all we have to do is ask and of course give Him permission to work, and work along with him in his protection !
It is we who pray or not .. we who believe and have faith or not , who calm the seas or not .. thus handing all our lands over to the the enemy and to death and "logic "and Knowledge and all the sweet nothings that go hand and hand with that.
or they can give it over to the lord of host and creator of all and life protected and life created ! but no sweet nothings..

where were the christians in japan who knew their most fundamental duties as "christians"? because if we ain't salt willing to protect and preserve everything and even everyone ... yes love/protect your enemy, blessssssssss your enemy .. this is not about some kind of smooshy feelingggggggggggggsssssssssssss of "LUB" and sweet nothings , it is about our prayers and where we put our faith and energy in prayer ....who else is going to do that ?
so not where is god , where were the christians who had only the faith of a mustard seed?
nae

 

[PhoenixRising]

Excellent post Chicken Little. Food for thought indeed. The Bible says in James 5:16 that "the prayers of a righteous man availeth much"

 

[chicken little]

Excellent post Chicken Little. Food for thought indeed. The Bible says in James 5:16 that "the prayers of a righteous man availeth much"

well I am sure we all forget or do not fully understand what all is hidding in that prayer he said when they asked him
"teach us to pray"
breaking down 'the Lord's prayer' and getting to the meat / responsibilities hiding in it, is really was very interesting.
, it is a great one of course .


1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. how might this related to japan and all it's temples?


6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us (why US?who is us?) this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us( why ask for US?) our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us ( but like jesus said, he already knows what you need why ask for this for 'US"?)not into temptation, but deliver us,( deliver all of us )?) from evil( evil things too) : For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. "would this release his right by our faith to work in the place you are in or have right in.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

the us is all MEN around us. if they want it or not.


can a land be safe for children if there is hunger in it? is a land good if the people are hungry? is the land happy if their is idolatry? are the children safe if their is idolatry of any kind?
is the land safe if their is vengeance waiting to get even waiting to pounce just around every corner ? like in our cities ! and when the city is rotten and vengeful ,, if they are praying at ALL it is 'Lord help ME' ?

If people are not protected from evil is the land good? can God be worshipped and honored if the land is not safe?



so why did it take so many days for michael to get the message to Daniel in 10,

that was just to get a massage through to another land. other than the one daniel had authority of . ah yep!:shock:

we don't know what we hold, or what he has given to us and what we are to do.
so lets keep praying for 'US' of the A.

 

[her2011]

None of us can say for sure why these things happen.

But we were given this earth to look after and we have destroyed it. We can't just carry on destroying this world bit by bit then shout at God for not preventing the repercussions of our actions.

No one can say for sure, but I doubt that two nuclear bombs in WWII were good for the faultlines, the weakness will always be there.

The earthquake wasnt the problem, it was the Tsunami, so many people living at sea level.

 

[AudreyNicole]

I once read that there is no such thing as a natural disaster, people just get in the way of nature being nature. lol. There are a lot of good things that come from these so called "disasters", so I really don't see them as being bad. Don't get me wrong; they take many lives and can be very devastating for us humans, but I think as far as understanding, we will never be able to understand God's ways. But that is where we must remember that God's ways are not our ways, and that everything thathappens is for good and for His perfect plan.

 

[chicken little]

well I am sure we all forget or do not fully understand what all is hidding in that prayer he said when they asked him
"teach us to pray"
breaking down 'the Lord's prayer' and getting to the meat / responsibilities hiding in it, is really was very interesting.
, it is a great one of course .



so why did it take so many days for michael to get the message to Daniel in 10,

that was just to get a massage through to another land. other than the one daniel had authority of . ah yep!:shock:

we don't know what we hold, or what he has given to us and what we are to do.
so lets keep praying for 'US' of the A.

I thought of another possible example of some kind of maybe
spiritual law in effect from the foundations of the world .. that I am trying to discribe.

Is it possible that the event that destroyed Sodom and Gemorrah was a "natural disaster" about to happen anyway?

and so if just ten "right with God/ righteous", praying people were in those lands(and praying ?), He told Abraham HE would have saved the whole place all for just ten righteous peoples sake.
so is it maybe He would have had the right to protect and preserve / as in salt.. the whole land or part of the land if there was just 10 praying people?
so where were Sodoms and Gemorrah's 10 praying people?
and then the next logical question is that you have to ask, was one righteous man enough ?... seem that not one was enough to stop it . or at least not that one was enough !


Maybe Lot wasn't enough by himself because he was a foreigner in that land, he was not born there, he had no history there and or ''''Deuteronomy Chapter 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance(lands?and animals?), when he separated the sons of Adam,"" ?

Because Daniel was a foreigner to that land he was in also and it took days just to get a message through, as there must have been no one praying in that land either.


so maybe the question is or becomes where were 10 native/original rights to that areas righteous people who were praying for that land? those who really loved and interceded for that land and all it's people saved and unsaved who were there, maybe within that ' divided inheritance'?
and is that why the disciples "set up " churches with native to that area people, and did not set up jewish run "churches " really ?
so lots of questions and maybe different concepts to chew on
kind of like a teething baby with a bone I been gumming these for ages.:wink:.

 

[gospelpreacher]

We can understand why natural disasters occur. What we do not understand is why God allows them to occur. Why did God allow the tsunami to kill over 225,000 people in Asia? Why did God allow Hurricane Katrina to destroy the homes of thousands of people? For one thing, such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity. Churches are usually filled after disasters as people realize how tenuous their lives really are and how life can be taken away in an instant. What we do know is this: God is good! Many amazing miracles occurred during the course of natural disasters that prevented even greater loss of life. Natural disasters cause millions of people to reevaluate their priorities in life. Hundreds of millions of dollars in aid is sent to help the people who are suffering. Christian ministries have the opportunity to help, minister, counsel, pray, and lead people to saving faith in Christ! God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).

God is in control of everything and his plans are to destroy the flesh during this age because of our sinful nature. We will get new flesh in the new heaven and earth after this earth changes.

Deuteronomy, chapter 32
39: "`See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

Isaiah 45:7
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.

Exodus 4:
10: But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either heretofore or since thou hast spoken to thy servant; but I am slow of speech and of tongue."
11: Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
12: Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak."

Deuteronomy 28
61: Every sickness also, and every affliction which is not recorded in the book of this law, the LORD will bring upon you, until you are destroyed.
62: Whereas you were as the stars of heaven for multitude, you shall be left few in number; because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God.
63: And as the LORD took delight in doing you good and multiplying you, so the LORD will take delight in bringing ruin upon you and destroying you; and you shall be plucked off the land which you are entering to take possession of it.

Amos 4
6: "I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me," says the LORD.
7: "And I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain upon one city, and send no rain upon another city; one field would be rained upon, and the field on which it did not rain withered;
8: so two or three cities wandered to one city to drink water, and were not satisfied; yet you did not return to me," says the LORD.
9: "I smote you with blight and mildew; I laid waste your gardens and your vineyards; your fig trees and your olive trees the locust devoured; yet you did not return to me," says the LORD.
10: "I sent among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I slew your young men with the sword; I carried away your horses; and I made the stench of your camp go up into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me," says the LORD.
11: "I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomor'rah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me," says the LORD.
12: "Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!"
13: For lo, he who forms the mountains, and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought; who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth -- the LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!