Answers in Times of Calamity

Read: Deuteronomy 29:22-29 (scroll down)

Almighty God reserves the right to reveal some things and conceal others. Although we may not know why natural disasters occur, three biblical truths we do know with absolute certainty allow us to trust the Lord even in times of great suffering.

1. The Lord is in control (Psalm 103:19) “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all”.. Nothing in heaven or on earth is outside of His authority. He does not react to events but sovereignly ordains or permits them in accordance with His plans.
2. God loves people and wants them to be saved (John 3:16-17) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. . Giving His Son for the salvation of mankind proves the Father’s love. This truth stands firm despite the fact that many reject the Savior.
3. Whatever God allows is for His good purposes (Genesis 50:20) “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive”. Though we cannot fully comprehend what He is doing in each incident, every disaster is an opportunity for the world to know God and lean on Him.

God loves us perfectly and is sovereignly working everything for our good and His glory. This realization should fill us with hope, even in the midst of a crisis. Then, instead of reacting in fear, we will find refuge in Him

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

²²Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob:
“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;

    no longer will their faces grow pale.
²³When they see among them their children,
    the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
    they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
²⁴Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
    those who complain will accept instruction.”

Further Reading