How Could This Happen?

Someone recently asked me a question that often comes up after a great tragedy, such as the tremendous earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan. As Christians, it’s often difficult even for us to understand the heartrending pain we see in the world. Inevitably, people wonder, “If God is in control, why is there so much pain?” But the question makes a flawed assumption that control is synonymous with authority.

Take a country’s government for example. In theory, the government is in control of its country’s economy. Now, for the sake of argument, let’s presume the government has only the best interest of its people in mind—no political agenda, special interests, etc.  Let’s also presume that this government is self-contained and immune to outside influences. Now, the government grants authority to banks and other entities to hold its money in safekeeping, correct?  But what if those banks violate that trust and spend the money, manipulate the markets, and put the country in debt, all in order to line their own pockets? What would happen? The economy would collapse, would it not? But wait a minute, isn’t the government in control?

This is similar to what is happening on earth. God is certainly in control of the universe; however, He gave temporary authority over the earth and all of its resources to mankind. We’ve violated that trust by turning away from God, doing things our way instead of God’s way, pursuing our own special interests. The earth is literally falling apart because of our choices, not because of God’s judgment. Think about it: the people who suffer the most are rarely the ones guilty of the greatest crimes—still, they suffer—not because God is punishing them but because they live in a fallen world.

Still, these tragedies are a sober reminder that one day God’s judgment will come and unless we recognize our sinfulness in light of a holy God, we will not be prepared to face something far worse: an eternity apart from Him (as sin and holiness cannot co-exist). However, in God’s great mercy, He left the comforts and holiness of Heaven and came to our sin-ravaged earth on a rescue mission. He willingly died on a cross to rescue us by paying the debt for our sin, which we owed but could never pay back. Please don’t let the horrendous tragedy of Japan become just another tragic piece of history or yesterday’s news. The tsunami in Indonesia, the earthquake in Haiti, the devastation of Katrina, the starvation and AIDS in Africa, the violent revolts in Egypt, Yemen, and Libya …the earth is crying out to God for deliverance—are you?

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge…The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble.” (Psalm 46:1-6 selected)

Could you imagine the suffering souls in Japan or Libya, Africa or India or any of the other hurting people in this world turning their backs on those who come to their rescue? So why, after God came all the way down from Heaven to earth on a rescue mission—to rescue you—would you turn your back on Him?

Despite our best laid-out plans, none of us can choose what will happen to us in this life, or even what will happen an hour from now. But you can choose where you will spend eternity. Choose Heaven, choose Jesus—choose today for tomorrow may be too late.

Jesus’ disciples asked Him one day, “When will the end of the world come?” Jesus replied, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Matthew 24:3-8 selected)

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth [to rescue us].” (John 17:3)

Shadia Hrichi

Please contiue to pray for the people of Japan.

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