THE CATASTROPHE

A scientist said of the catastrophe, “The whole world shook.” Another called it “the worst natural disaster in the world’s history.” They were describing the underwater earthquake that devastated entire coasts in Asia a few years ago. Tens of thousands were left dead. We continue to see disasters around us.

When horrible events strike, I go to the Father with one question: “Lord, what is this all about? Was this simply an unexplainable accident of nature, or is there something your people ought to know as to why it happened?”

We mourn for the indescribable pain and misery endured by multitudes. We pray earnestly for those afflicted. Our ministry has sent thousands of dollars through Christian relief agencies to help rebuild churches and homes in devastated areas. Scripture tells us our heavenly Father is touched by the very feelings of the wounded and the Holy Spirit pours out comfort to all believers in the nations affected.

America is a compassionate and giving nation and I thank God for the response of so many who pray, give and go to those areas to help. But something deep within my soul troubles me. The magnitude of the disasters does not seem to sink in. We appear to be numbed, stupefied by it all.

I thank God for good reports of blessings in many areas of the world, including America. But if we cannot be brought to our knees by unleashed power—if we cannot humble ourselves after witnessing terrible natural disasters—what will it take to silence the God-mockers? Are we now shockproof?

Think of this:

  • The expulsion of God from our society in the name of political correctness
  • The whole world turning to secularism and materialism
  • A church growing more worldly than the world itself
  • The rise of violence and apathy
  • The Bible no longer being accepted as God’s Word
  • A day “when everything that can be shaken” is being shaken
  • When thoughtful people everywhere have an intuition that “somebody is tinkering with nature, something is happening that cannot be explained away”
  • When society continues its business without a single “God pause,” without even a thought that God will not be mocked

When these things happen, we have come near or crossed a line into a spiritual stupor that no amount of divine mercy can awaken.

God is merciful, gracious and ready to forgive. May Jesus demonstrate His love and compassion through His disciples as the day of the Lord approaches.