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On Faith
Harry Simons
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Natures fury demonstrates Gods glory
During the past few weeks, southern portions of the mainland have been virtually destroyed by powerful hurricanes and tornadoes. Hawaii was also threatened by the possibility of several huge storms coming upon us, one right after the other. Why didn't Hawaii get pummeled like the mainland? What's going on here?
Media commentators and scientists from various fields are searching in many directions seeking reasons as to why this is happening and what causes it to happen. They are seeking physical explanations and answers for the calamities that are taking place. The most common explanation is global warming, the increasing of the earth's average atmospheric temperature probably caused by misuse of the earth's resources. But not everyone agrees with this theory. So where do we go to find the real answer? Who might have the truth? Is there another source that would give us deeper insights as to why and how these things happen?
The above scenario is comparable to the physics professor who asked his physics classes if they thought God understood nuclear fission. A vast majority of the students voted no. Scientists believe the stars/suns of the universe are huge nuclear reactors. So much for God, the creator of all things, what He knows and what He can do with what He made.
Isaiah declares: "There is only one God who forms the light and creates the darkness. I make peace for national well-being and I create physical calamity. I am the Lord, who does all these things for I have created these things." Can mankind believe and accept that God controls the elements of nature, including the clouds, rain, lightning and the wind? It is God who causes these elements to come upon the seas to cause great storms.
As we carefully study the Bible, we find that it declares that all events in nature are simply God exercising His dominion and the power of His divine intervention in the future and destiny of His creation. It is interesting to note that many passages of the Bible reveal God intertwining nature in His dealing with the sinful situations of mankind.
Does this make God sadistic? On the contrary! Scripture declares that while God can use nature to bring grief on mankind, He longs to shower compassion, lovingkindness and mercy on His children. God does not willingly and from His heart afflict or grieve mankind. The Living God is indeed the God of Love!
What is difficult for mankind to comprehend and accept is how the Loving God could bring such misery upon the peoples of the earth. Scripture not only shares with us that God creates physical calamities, but that He guides them wherever He desires. Through these physical calamities, He brings about (1) the punishment and correction of mankind for its sins; (2) needed corrections to nature; or (3) He displays His grace for all to see. The Living God is the One who causes all things to happen.
The "good news" is that God in His love has provided a way through these dilemmas through His Son Jesus Christ, His death on the cross that paid the price for all of mankind's sins, and His resurrection.
In time, physical death will come upon all of us. Mankind cannot thwart God's ordained and predestined ways or plans. I believe, to have a secure and guaranteed future, each person must make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, master and Lord and worship and serve Him.
Harry Simons is a pastor at House of Angels Ministry
to the homeless and disadvantaged in Waianae and vice
president of the Hawaii Coalition of Christian Churches.