In the aftermath of a great natural disaster, whether a tsunami, or an earthquake, which recently occurred in Haiti, and now Chile, people inevitably raise questions about why God would allow such tragedies which cause mass destruction of property and often death and casualties in the tens of thousands. Many people are inclined to assign blame to God, as though such events are tantamount to murder.

In the absence of the Scripture, satisfactorily answering questions of this nature would be nearly impossible, particularly in a way that absolves God of responsibility; but fortunately the Scripture addresses all matters occurring in creation and life, and thus it affords us the truth about the reasons for natural disasters.

First, it is important to understand the context surrounding nature in this world. In Genesis, the fall of man is described; man having been created in the likeness of God, and subsequently rebelling against Him, and by virtue thereof committing sin, introduced all of the consequences of sin into this world the foremost being physical death. The whole creation was effected by the sin of man, and the Scripture reflects the impact of man’s sin on creation in Romans where it is stated that the whole creation groans, meaning that the creation itself experiences the pain or negative consequences of sin. Thus, all events occurring in nature operate within the context of a world fallen from God. The reality is that death, separation from God, is a part of life in this world; and natural disasters are a derivative of a fallen world.

Second, it must be understood that humans live on earth solely by the grace of God, and not by our self-will. We are not promised another breath on earth beyond the present one, and know that death is certain. The Scripture of course affirms this fact in Hebrews 9:27 stating that “It is appointed for man to die once, and after this comes judgment.” Thus death is certain for every person born into this world. This negates the notion that God is malevolent, and chooses to kill people through natural disasters, given that people principally die by means other than such disasters. Death is certain whether by a natural disaster or not. Moreover, God need not use natural disasters to kill people, given His infinite power. To illustrate, in Luke 13:4-5, the Scripture describes the collapse of a tower in Siloam, which precipitated the death of 18 people. When the people questioned the Lord about the reason these people were killed, suggesting that they must have been worse culprits than everyone else in Jerusalem, the Lord refuted this notion stating, “No, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” In short, natural disasters causing death and mass injuries occur as a matter of general course in a fallen world; and whether or not one dies in such an event or dies as a consequence of natural causes, one still dies in this world. As humans we place great emphasis on longevity in life; but with the Lord one day is as thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Hence, do not be deceived; we will spend infinitely more time in eternity no matter the length of our life span on earth. Man is like a mere breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Finally, it must be observed that God is sovereign, as the Scripture declares in Psalm 103:19, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” Thus God is in absolute sovereign control of everything in creation. Not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from His will. In Isaiah 45:7 the Scripture states, God is “The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity.” Concerning earthquakes in particular, the Scripture conveys in Jeremiah 10:10, “At His wrath the earth quakes.” Thus, God is in complete control, operating independent of, and immeasurably above, all events transpiring in creation. He created the heavens and the earth, and nothing happens apart from His determined, or permissive, will; and it is futile for man to think otherwise.

In view of these observations, natural disasters, many of which result in mass death and destruction of property, are the phenomena of a fallen world. How should we respond to these tragic events? We must endeavor to provide all of the relief assistance necessary to those in need. In addition, never forget to share the truth, explaining to all men everywhere to believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and place your faith in God. For as Jesus said, “Unless we repent, we will all likewise perish;” but believe on His Name, and be saved.