Article February 28, 1994 Issue

God's omnipotence antidotes disaster

Weather patterns, and our location and environment, seem to determine whether we'll be affected by natural disasters. But God is a healing, saving presence that we can always trust.

Rosalie E. Dunbar

As spring approaches, many people in the American Midwest are watching weather conditions carefully, fearful of a new round of flooding. Many areas are still saturated with water from last year's floods. In one area, at least, children are not yet attending school in their regular building because of the concern that the waters may rise again.

Perhaps the Bible's most eloquent description of the effects of disaster—and of God's power to overcome them—is given in the book of Job. It tells us that Job was a prosperous man who feared God and who taught his sons and daughters to practice their religion. Yet, within a short time his children were killed, his flocks and herds were destroyed, and his health was endangered. Suddenly all that he cherished and had worked for was gone.

At a moment like that, it isn't surprising that Job would have some questions for God! When we face disaster of one sort or another, it isn't wrong to ask God to help us discover what we need to know in order to regain our stability and peace. But we need to be alert to ask the right questions.

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