Did God Send The Hurricane?

Over the last few days, we have been bombarded with one tragic picture after another on all news channels. Katrina was devastating. This storm will cost us all billions of dollars, and even more valuable, hundreds of lives. Now the question must be asked, "Where was God in all of this?"

Did God send hurricane Katrina to the gulf coast? This is an interesting question. If you answer it "No!", then you are saying that God is not in control. If God could have stopped Katrina from doing all this damage, why didn't he? You cannot give God praise for keeping you safe from harm, and then when harm comes declare that he wasn't involved. If you answer this question with "Yes", then you have a lot of other questions to answer. The most difficult question would be, "Why?"

My answer to this question is "Yes". I believe God is in control of the weather. It amazes me that insurance companies call natural disasters "Acts of God" but the church no longer does. If God does not control the weather than we should never pray for rain. We should never thank him for provision. I do not believe that God was caught off guard by Katrina. I believe that God's providence includes disaster. Which means I now have to answer the question "Why"?

Any answer to this question is mere speculation. I do not know or comprehend God's mind. However, we must speculate punishment. Was Katrina sent by God to punish the United States or New Orleans? Maybe God did this to remove evil from our land. I don't know. Without a doubt we deserve to be punished by God. We do not deserve God's blessings. If we deserved them we wouldn't call them blessings. We would call them earnings. The Bible says that we have all sinned, and that God hates sin. We truly deserve God's wrath, and the fact that any of us are alive is due to His grace and love. The United States legalized the murder of millions of unborn children. Maybe God has decided to punish us. As for New Orleans, I cannot think of too many other places in America that is any more hedonistic. The French Quarter is truly a vile place. The city is well known for its vices and corruption. Would it make since for God to destroy this city? Yes, I think so, but this is only speculation.

I must also speculate whether God did this to remind us who is really in control. Maybe God was trying to show us something. The United States is the greatest country ever. We believe that we have the ability to do almost anything. Maybe we needed to be humbled. This storm certainly made millions realize that they are at the mercy of God. We do not have control over all things. There are many things, like a hurricane, that we have no control over.

I must also speculate whether God used this storm to bring repentance to those whom he saved. As a pastor, I have come to the conclusion that tragedy often brings about righteousness. This maybe a precursor for a great revival. This storm may cause many believers to get right with God. It may bring about true thankfulness for life and family.

However, there is one concept that I do not need to speculate about. God will use this storm to further His Kingdom. I do not need to speculate on this because I am certain of it. God's kingdom will grow because the Bibles says it will. I believe that many will come to the Lord through this storm. I believe that many Christians will have opportunities to share their faith. I believe that God will let his hand be seen in this storm. And I believe in the end His name will be glorified in this storm.

Right now, Baptist disaster relief groups are headed to New Orleans. They will share meals, clothing, and Christ to the masses. They will cut down trees, restore power, and provide health care. God's Kingdom will advance, because God is in control. His people will be obedient to the call.

The King still sits on His throne. Let us find comfort in this truth. He is in control, and he is not surprised.