“The fool has said in his heart, there is no God” (Ps. 14:1), but many who believe in God do not believe He is involved in the everyday events of life. Storms, disasters, the rise and fall of nations just happen, they say. Many think that even if He created our world, and even if He is all knowing and aware of our situation, He is not actively involved in our circumstances.
The Bible shows a different philosophy. As to super powers, and the rise and fall of national leaders, The Word says, “He removes kings and sets up kings” (Dan. 2:21). He tells the prophet Habukkuk, “I am raising up the Chaldeans, your enemies, to administer judgment” (Hab. 1:6). It is obvious that more than being aware, He is very much involved, and is the power behind the rise and fall of nations.
As to natural disasters, see what Amos says in 4:6, “I have given you cleanness of teeth, …and want of bread.” Can you believe He was the cause of a famine? “I have withheld rain” (v. 7). “I have smitten you with mildew, and worms” (v. 9). “I have sent pestilence” (v. 10). “I have overthrown some of you” (v. 11). Was this true of only one time in history, or is this a principle of His dealings with mankind? Was He not the cause of dispersing the people at Babel? Did He not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? Did He not raise up the Roman Empire to provide peace, a common language, a good road system at just the right time to enhance the spread of the new gospel?
Amos 3:6 says, “Shall there be evil (disaster) in a city, and the Lord has not done it?” Does the tragedy of 9/11 fall in this declaration? The tsunami of ’04? Katrina? Consider also Is. 45:7, “I make peace and create evil (calamity).” Psalm 135:8,10 says, “Who smote the first born of Egypt.” “Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings.”
And if God is behind the occurrence of disasters, what is His purpose in bringing such tragedy on the world He loves so much? After each of the judgments listed in Amos 4, He makes the sad observation “yet have you not returned unto Me, says the Lord.” And because there had been no repentance after multiplied warnings, verse 12 says, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Note that He did these things, not to an enemy • nation, but to His beloved nation of Israel. Even if one considers these statements to be true of Israel only, would He not have the same love, purpose and concern to bring a nation founded on godly principles back to Himself before allowing the ultimate judgment?