Weathering the Storm: Understanding God’s Role in Tragedy
When disaster strikes, where do we turn for hope and understanding? In this article, Justin Chades, Associate Pastor at Hollywood Community Church, explains the interplay of creation, sin, and God's unwavering presence during life's storms. He also shares opportunities for you to extend the hope of Jesus to those who were impacted by the Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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It’s been quite a month in the state of Florida. Like many of you, I was glued to the weather and news reports that were following the track of Hurricane Milton. While we were spared from the brunt of the storm here in South Florida, folks in West and Central Florida suffered tremendous damage to property and some even lost their lives.
After natural disasters like these, it is normal to ask the questions: why does this happen? And where is God in this?
Why Does This Happen?
Meteorologists and researchers explore the natural processes by which these powerful storms form over warm waters. Because our universe was created by an Intelligent Designer, we can study the world around us and come to learn so much about it.
But we also know that there is an underlying spiritual cause for why the world is not as it ought to be. In Romans 8:18-22, Paul writes: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
Humanity’s fall into sin in the Garden of Eden had disastrous ramifications for the entire world. All of creation longs for the day when Christ returns and when those who belong to Christ are revealed in glory. Paul compares all of creation to a woman in the excruciating pains of childbirth.
God made a good world. Sin, Satan, and death have corrupted God’s good world. But the Good News of the Gospel tells us that one day Christ will return and the painful contractions of labor will cease. A New Creation will be born, giving way to jubilation and glory. This is our blessed hope!
So Where is God in This?
God is always working. Before, in, and after the storm. He is sovereign over His creation: Job 9:7-8 says, “He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.”
He is at work right now through living, breathing, temples of the Holy Spirit throughout West and Central Florida – also known as ordinary Christians. Churches in the areas affected by Milton and Helene have set up disaster relief hubs to serve the needs of their communities. Pastors are working in concert with city officials to mobilize thousands upon thousands of church members to volunteer in the cleanup efforts. People who are grieving and feel hopeless are being cared for, provided for, and prayed for. The gospel is being proclaimed. In other words:
God is showing up in the dark aftermath of the storm.
You may be going through a different tribulation in this season. You need to know that your Heavenly Father is with you in the storm. Yes, we long for the day when Christ returns and every tear will be wiped away, but in the meantime, we can still rejoice in the fact that we are God’s children now. We have peace with God and peace from God now. Be encouraged!
Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale works directly with partners on the ground to aid in immediate relief and deliver hope to those who need it most. If you feel led to help those affected by Milton and Helene, you have the opportunity to volunteer as a relief worker or give financially. Visit CalvaryFTL.org/Hurricane to learn more.
Author Bio:
Justin Chades is a husband to Amy, a father to Hudson, Levi, and Selah, and a pastor at Hollywood Community Church. He grew up in South Florida and is passionate about reaching his hometown with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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