Originally Published by Right Side Broadcasting Network: https://www.rsbnetwork.com/news/sunday-devotional-making-sense-of-wars-natural-disasters-and-famines/
The world is in turmoil. From the ongoing wars facing major world powers to the tragic anniversary of the vicious October 7th attack on Israel to the world disasters plaguing the southern part of the United States, it is fair to ask what is the meaning of all of this?
Within the Christian faith, there is a profound belief in an omnipresent and omnipotent God. This teaching assures us that God is involved in all life’s affairs, even in the face of evil and confusion. Christians understand that mankind’s fall, also known as original sin, is the primary factor in the world’s darkness. However, through Christ, deliverance from evil is reality. This understanding provides comfort and security, knowing that God is always present and in control.
In His ministry, Jesus alluded to the temporary nature of our earthly troubles. He reminded His followers that Earth is a brief home, and that humanity should focus on heavenly priorities. This viewpoint brings hope and optimism, recognizing that our present challenges are temporary in the larger context of eternity.
During the world’s most devastating war in human history (World War II), famed Baptist pastor George W. Truett preached:
I’ve wondered if, in the providence of God, he hasn’t allowed this incredible war to come down with its dark, desperate story and experience to come down; I have wondered if he hasn’t let it come on the world that Christian people might see, ‘You can’t get on without me. You’ve tried to, and you’ve made a shipwreck of it. You can’t get on without me; you can’t get on without me.’[1]
Like many other Southern Baptist leaders of the time, Truett constantly shared the choice of “Christ or Chaos.” The logic was simple: place your faith and understanding in Jesus Christ or expect chaos. Following World War II, Billy Graham’s well-known tent revivals in Los Angeles attracted worldwide attention as he preached a similar message. The message consistently highlighted humanity’s lost state and its necessity for Christ.
Wars, natural disasters and famines are sad realities in our world. Throughout history, previous generations have faced them, including biblical figures like Moses and Joseph. Contrasting the deist view, Christians firmly acknowledge that God is not absent from His creation and is involved.
The first part of understanding disaster is that humanity lives in sin and in a world filled with darkness, so faith in Jesus Christ is the most crucial part of anyone’s life. As humans, we lack the understanding and comprehension of such devastations, but we know God is in charge, and we can find comfort in Him.
This is what God wants; he desires His creation to acknowledge Him and trust solely in Him. Similarly, with all disasters comes the fruit of humanity.
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets'” (Matthew 22:37-40).
In times of disaster, the love for others surpasses the devastation. Volunteers, missionaries and strangers flock to areas of trouble, showcasing the love of humanity and the light of God. Recently, this occurrence has been observed in Asheville, North Carolina, where strangers continue to rescue fellow humans from the devastating hurricane that impacted the region.
We should never downplay the seriousness and devastation of such disasters. Still, we also need to acknowledge that we should solely focus our understanding on God and consistently seek to share the love of Christ during such devastation.
May God be with those experiencing such devastation and loss, and may His name bring hope for peace and understanding.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
[1] George W. Truett, “Philip at Samaria” (sermon, First Baptist Church of Dallas, Dallas, TX, March 16, 1941), http://digitalcollections.baylor.edu/cdm/search/collection/fa-gwt (accessed October 09, 2024).
