When the Earth Trembles! God's Sovereignty in Calamity.

Various authors

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
 

Amos 3:6, "If a calamity occurs in a city, has not the Lord done it?"

When earthquakes shake cities, storms destroy homes, and floods sweep away lives--the human heart instinctively asks, "Why, Lord?" Yet Scripture does not leave us without an answer. The Word of God boldly proclaims that even the most terrifying natural events are not random, but sovereignly decreed by the Lord who "works all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11).

Every calamity--whether storm, drought, fire, or plague--reveals the holy justice and majesty of God. These events are not outside of His control, but are part of His all-encompassing providence.

This is not to say God delights in destruction; rather, He uses it to awaken dead hearts to the reality of sin and the urgency of repentance. Jesus Himself affirmed this when discussing the tower that fell in Siloam: "Those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were worse sinners than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish!" (Luke 13:4–5).

Thus, natural disasters serve as divine megaphones calling mankind to humility, repentance, and renewed reverence for the Almighty Creator and Sustainer. They remind us of humanity's frailty, and the curse that sin brought upon creation (Romans 8:20–22). Yet for the believer, the storm that humbles us, is also the storm that sanctifies us.

Beloved, the storms of this world are reminders that judgment is coming--but so is restoration. Every tempest whispers the promise of a new heavens and a new earth "in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). Until that day, let every earthly disaster remind us: the same hand that sends the storm, also holds His people secure within His loving heart.

Sovereign Lord, when creation groans and the world trembles, teach us to see Your holiness and justice in every storm. Lead us to repentance, to awe, and to unwavering trust in Your righteous rule. May we proclaim that in all things--even in disaster--You alone are worthy of praise. Amen.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." Psalm 46:1–2