Faith Through the Storm

There’s an elephant in the room when it comes to massive hurricanes that hit the US. It seems that no one asks if God is the one who is in charge of the weather department. Or is He impotent? Some believe that He is God but His hands are tied. Or is it just a case of Him not having any interest in what’s happening on earth?

There is, however, one consolation when it comes to massive hurricanes: they are slow-moving. That means there is a warning period that gives time for those who are in the danger zone to leave the state.

One weatherman, in wanting to make an important point about impending danger, said, “If you’re going to stay and weather out this hurricane, please do us a favor. Get a permanent marker and write your name on your arm or leg, very clearly, so that when we find your body, we will be able to identify it.”

It goes without saying that it is God who is in charge of all weather. The Scriptures say:

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things. (Romans 11:36)

Not one tiny drop of rain falls without His permission.

So, the question comes down to, is He somehow punishing those who are hit by catastrophic hurricanes for their sins? A similar question was asked of Jesus. There was a terrible tragedy that took the lives of 18 men. Listen to how Jesus responded:

“Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)

Was God punishing those 18 men for their sins? Jesus didn’t even address it. He instead told them to repent or they would perish. And that is the sobering message we have for this dying world.

“The Bible tells us that we live in a fallen Creation plagued with terrifying tornadoes, horrific hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, disease, pain, suffering, earthquakes, and death.”

Share on twitter Share on facebook

The Bible tells us that we live in a fallen Creation plagued with terrifying tornadoes, horrific hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, disease, pain, suffering, earthquakes, and death. All these things shouldn’t shake our faith in God. They should strengthen it because they verify the truth of the Scriptures.

There’s an important truth when it comes to hurricane warnings: the power of faith. Those who believe the warning will leave the area once they understand their danger. Those who don’t believe will stay where they are and suffer the consequences of their foolishness.

There’s something else we can be reminded of with massive hurricanes. We know that within the eye of the storm there is an amazing phenomenon: there is blue sky and no wind. And that is a wonderful picture of the gospel. Jesus is the eye of the storm. In Him, the hurricane of God’s wrath is stilled. Jesus gives us peace with God.

So, let’s remember these truths as we share the gospel with this lost world. And let’s be in prayer for those who have lost loved ones and for those who have had their lives devastated by these tragedies.