Today's thoughts come again from Dr. Jim Denison and a recent commentary on "Is Hurricane Sandy God's Judgment?"
Why has Hurricane Sandy been so severe? Is this God's judgment against the Northeast, as some are claiming, or does the storm have a more natural explanation?
Meteorologists say that "Frankenstorm" is the combination of a hurricane that collided with a winter storm, a cold front, and high tides from a full moon. The resulting hybrid storm has affected more than 60 million people.
Before we decide that the hurricane is God's judgment on the Northeast, we might consider those it has already affected. I've been to Cuba six times and find the believers there among the strongest on earth. More than a million Cubans have come to Christ in the last decade. Yet Hurricane Sandy killed at least 11 Cubans and left thousands homeless. One of the pastors on the island called our office yesterday. He wept as he described the worst devastation he has seen in his lifetime. Is the hurricane God's judgment on these suffering people?
In my view, we should be slow to attribute natural events to supernatural causes. As the result of Adam and Eve's sin, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time" (Romans 8:22). In the Garden of Eden there would have been no hurricanes or earthquakes. God clearly caused Noah's Flood and the plagues in Egypt, but most of the natural disasters we experience are the result of living in a fallen world.
While the Fall caused Hurricane Sandy, God stands ready to redeem all he allows. When Jesus' disciples were battling a storm of their own, their Master walked on wind-tossed waves to their battered boat (Matthew 14:22-25). When the winds died down, "Those who were in the boat worshiped him saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God'" (v. 33).
Today Jesus' followers are his hands and feet (1 Corinthians 12:27). Hurricane Sandy is our opportunity to go to those in the storm, proving the relevance of our faith by our compassion. How will you pray for those affected by this disaster? How will you give money and time to relief efforts? Who will see God's love in yours?Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us not to be quick to believe you are judging those in a catastrophe that does not directly impact us. We do not want to miss a sign of your judgment but we don't want to express something that you have not expressed either. Father, show us your truth and help us to tell your truth to hurting and lost people. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer Points for Today:
- Pray for churches in the North East today. It is one of the most unchurched places in our country. Pray that they may reach out and show God's love in a great time of stress and that hurting and lost people would respond.
- Pray for impacted states as they try to provide for people's needs and prepare for an election.
Memory Verse for the Week:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Challenge:
Prayerfully consider setting aside a time to fast and pray between now and the election. It can be a day or it can be just a meal but let me encourage you to take that time or an extra time to pray in the next few days.
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