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Published On: Thu, Sep 29th, 2016

Does God cause natural disasters?

Dear Editor,

We are still in the midst of the hurricane season. A challenge which we in the Caribbean have to face every year.

Unfortunately, there are many people who believe that when a hurricane devastates a community it is an act of God to punish such persons. We need to realize that this is a misconception, since the destruction, suffering and death that a hurricane can bring is an inherent evil and must therefore be the work of Satan, the source of all evil. We want us to be clear in our minds that God does not inflict evil. A good God cannot do that.

In fact God created a perfect harmonious world. It was after Satan by his evil power caused sin to come into the world that death, pain, disease, calamity and all the bad things in life resulted. The biblical record in the Book of Job chapters 1 and 2 for example clearly demonstrates and illustrates that the sufferings of Job a righteous man culminating with his ten children being killed by a hurricane was the direct action of Satan, who was permitted to afflict Job to test his faith. This suggests that that God sometimes permits Satan to bring evil acts to pass, and out of these evil acts God brings forth a greater good in the fullness of time.

As we experience from day to day, and even after a hurricane out of great evil god can bring great good.’ We are dealing with deep theological matters here which requires time and space that we are not privileged to have at this time. However, as we face this hurricane season let us not put the blame on God for tormenting us with destructive hurricanes, let us put the blame squarely where it belongs, on the evil power in the world – Satan and the demonic forces.

Let us remember Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee being buffeted by a storm, and Jesus spoke to the turbulent elements and said, “Peace, be still,” and immediately there was a calm. During this hurricane season, let us look to Jesus and pray for protection and deliverance, mindful that He not only has the power to still the physical storms of life but He also has the power to still the storms that beset the human soul.

Please remember these basic measures to employ in preparing for a hurricane are:

  1. Have windows and doors of your home well protected with storm shutters.
  2. Check your roof for loose galvanize etc.
  3. See that nearby trees are trimmed.
  4. Stock up on water and food items especially canned food items.
  5. Cook all raw meats in your refrigerator and freeze them.
  6. Fill your bathtubs with water.
  7. Have a barbeque grill with lots of charcoal.
  8. Have a first aid kit.
  9. Have flashlights with batteries.
  10. Have battery operated radio.
  11. Have a cell phone with charger or well charged.
  12. Secure important documents in plastic containers.
  13. Secure jewelry and other valuables.
  14. Be well supplied with medication and prescriptive drugs that you and your family take on a regular basis.

Astrigt Hermelijn,
Secretary St. Maarten Christian Council