Why Do Natural Disasters Take Innocent Lives?
By Ray Comfort
Natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes often lead to tragic loss of life—including the lives of innocent children. Why would God allow that?
The Bible teaches that when sin entered the world, it brought with it death, disease, pain and suffering. Romans 8:20-22 explains:
“For the creation was subjected to futility…For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
Natural disasters are evidence of a fallen and groaning creation—that the Bible is true. And it’s a sad fact that most of humanity doesn’t think seriously about God until tragedy strikes. In our suffering we may ask the most important of questions for the first time— “Is my life pleasing to my Creator?” bringing U.S. to the cross. That is one big silver lining.
The gospel of Luke tells us of eighteen men who were killed when a large tower fell and crushed them to death. It would seem that some who were listening to Jesus thought that these men were being punished for their sins. But look at what He said:
“…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)
Jesus told them to judge themselves rather than judge others. Each of us have a multitude of sins and because of that, we should not point a holier-than-thou finger at the sins of others. Rather than question as to why God allows tragedies, we should trust ourselves to His impeccable character and tell this sinful world to repent before the day that God reveals His full fury against sin.
The Book of Job addresses the issue of tragedy in a similar way in which Jesus addressed it. Job endured terrible suffering, including natural calamities (see Job 1:19). But when he questioned God, He responded with 70 powerful questions, none of which Job could answer. Then look at Job’s response to those questions:
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 40:5-6)
Seeing God in truth produced humility and repentance. And that repentance comes to us when we catch a glimpse of the holiness of God revealed through His Law.
In the meantime, as Christians, we look forward to the glorious hope we have in Christ:
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
In just days, our recent viral video about the Los Angeles fires has reached nearly 5 million views on YouTube and even more on social media, spreading the gospel worldwide. Available in English and Spanish, with a Hindi version on the way, we invite you to watch, share, and help us bring the good news of Jesus to even more people.
Published with permission. Originally shared at LivingWaters.com
Ray Comfort is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters, a bestselling author, and has written more than 100 books, including, The Evidence Study Bible. He cohosts the award-winning television program Way of the Master, which airs in 190 countries.