In the last few years our nation has been shaken by some rather tragic events, including 9-11, the wars fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, and most recently a rather busy hurricane season, including Katrina, Ophelia and Rita, some storms that will be remembered for years to come.

How can a Christian understand and respond to a tragedy like Katrina? What should we think, feel, and do when natural disasters, like storms, fires or earthquakes, or man-made tragedies like Oklahoma City or 9-11, occur? Should we simply become enraged and try to figure out who's to blame? Should we try to answer all the questions relevant to God and that disaster, like "Is God judging us in this?" "Is there a particular message God wants us to take away from this?" These are serious questions and concerns. I want to offer you some counsel and direction from the Word of God. It is my prayer that this will provide you with some comfort and hope so that you will be better prepared to understand and respond to the next tragedy.

And that is the first lesson and truth: Storms come and storms go

Difficulties often arise from an unforeseen source, catching us quite unprepared when they strike. If you are in the midst of a crisis now, I hope you will take solace in the fact that life will not always be this way. Things will change, and with God's help, for the better.

Remember this Biblical truth

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God's Word recognizes that all things which happen to us in this life are not good but they certainly have a purpose in God's unique plan for our life. IF we are a Christian, a large part of that purpose is to make us more like Jesus.

Conversely, if things are going relatively well right now, you undoubtedly know from past experience that there is a difficulty coming in your future.

When? Where? How? Who? What? Sorry, those are questions only God can answer, and He does not promise to answer them. However, you can be sure of this:

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

God seems to anticipate that we will ask "Why?" during tragedies and He has already told us "up-front" if you please that the reasons may be too deep and difficult for you and I to understand. We are finite; God is infinite. How could we ever hope to fully understand all His ways? But we can be sure of this: that what God does, what He directs, or what He allows, is ultimately done to bring Him "glory for ever." Any Christian ought to be able to say Amen to that!

Does any of that leave any wiggle room for us? Does that mean we have no legitimate or appropriate response, as Christians, or simply as human beings?

I believe we have a natural desire as a human being to want to DO something. Perhaps our initial response is to make a financial donation to a charitable organization like the Red Cross or Salvation Army. That makes us feel a little better. Some people have the time and, perhaps, certain skills, which are useful in a crisis and they volunteer to lend a hand and that's a nice thing to do.

Many times we are not sure what to do. As a Christian, however, there seems to be a "super-natural" desire to respond, not in a "Superman" sort of way but, in the sense that as God's people, we feel led of the Lord to do more than simply say a prayer or give a donation. God's Spirit helps us to find answers in His Word to a particular crisis in life. We can be sure that the Word of God addresses whatever tragedies and problems come in life.

Sometimes life comes to a screeching halt, suddenly, with no warning. That is a tragedy. What do we do when a hurricane like "Katrina" brings tragedy and, seemingly, unexplainable death to so many? What should be the response of a Christian when we see a space shuttle explosion, a fire, or an accident? Have you ever experienced the helpless feeling of standing by while cancer or leukemia claims the life of a loved one? What about when the dearly beloved 95-year old aunt in Kalamazoo dies? Some have said, "Well, we were expecting it." Or perhaps more personally, what would you do if your doctor looks at you and says, "You have cancer?" "You have a tumor." Or, "It's terminal." When we ourselves get sick, how can we make sense out of the confusion we may feel and what response could we give that would honor God and be Biblical.

First, we can pray - especially for wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But pray for wisdom BIBLICALLY

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Next, we can turn to a Biblical example, for an immediate yet faith-filled response.

Nehemiah comes to mind:

Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven...

First, it is okay to MOURN. Nehemiah wept when tragedy came to his door. God has given us emotions to help us express joy and sorrow. He certainly will not castigate us for our tears when we are sad. In fact, crying often has a cleansing effect.

The next thing I see Nehemiah doing here is MEDITATING. He took some time, gathered his thoughts, and prayed to the Lord for wisdom about what to do and how to do it.

Then he was MOTIVATED TO ACT. When you think about it, these three steps seem to be fairly common to Americans during times of crisis. We seem to be a people who mourn, become religious and have public times of prayer, and then we want to act. We're certainly a very generous people. Consider how much was donated to relief agencies in the wake of the 9-11 attacks, after the tsunami hit the Asian continents, and most recently in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Acts of kindness and generosity are especially needful for Christians to do

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

But as the people of God today, let's make sure we are also prepared to go beyond this initial humanitarian response. As necessary as it is, there are much more important spiritual considerations and preparations we must make so that when this disaster or any disaster strikes, we can go beyond simple rescue and relief.

The truth is that when a tragedy strikes, people want and need three basic things: comfort, peace and hope. We, as Christians, know and understand that all three of these things can be found in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

Matthew 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. 15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 16 And charged them that they should not make him known: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

I think it's much more than an interesting coincidence that immediately after Matt. 12:21, the Bible declares…

Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, offers comfort and rest, hope and peace, during every crisis life may proffer. Often, the greatest comfort comes from knowing there is someone who really and truly understands our grief, and in a very real way shares it. We call that "compassion," and Jesus exemplified this during His life and ministry.

Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Two blind men: Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

A leper Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

Demonaic of Gadara Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Widow of Nain Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Our Christ is more compassionate than any conservative or liberal, more than any Democrat or Republican, and we must be prepared to share this side of Him with those who are hurting. Many times people in a crisis feel they have reached the end of their ropes. And being in such a condition, they are well prepared to have the eyes of their Spiritual understanding opened so that they can find true and lasting peace, and hope, in Jesus.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me....John 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Ultimately, true comfort, peace and hope are all eternal realities, spiritual realities, from an eternal person.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

and from an eternal plan

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

from an eternal perspective

2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

And, as the saints of God, we truly need to focus on these truths and aspects of the Christian life. They are primary, necessary, and basic to gaining a human understanding, as well as formulating a Christian response. But there is one more compelling point to consider, perhaps the most compelling of all.

After any tragedy, there is often a wide-range of reactions. Politicians often get angry and point their fingers at those they think are to blame should. Very rarely is it ever pointing to themselves. Some become outraged over the reaction of others. Some become heart-broken over conditions the survivors are forced to live in following the tragedy. And many are sad over the loss of life. Sometimes people of various religious persuasions and backgrounds say, "This is the judgement of almighty God!" Some see in it an opportunity to minister to the needs of their fellow man. And some see an opportunity to take advantage of those caught in a living nightmare.

Some follow the old stand-by line, "How could a good God cause or allow something so bad? Why do bad things happen to good people?" As a Christian I think it's more important to try to give a Biblical response that honors God, rather than simply react emotionally.

For that, we have a wonderful example in our Lord:

Luke 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

What are some of His main points here?

First, suffering does not prove that you are wicked and prosperity does not prove you are righteous.

Jesus says that there is no relationship between sin and suffering in a person’s life. When people cause suffering we shouldn't blame God. People have a free will and make free choices. Bad things can and sometimes do happen to good people. Some are tempted to give suffering a "Job spin" - as Job's friend's did to him during his suffering. Obviously, they reasoned, Job is suffering because Job deserved it. He must have done something bad. Why not simply confess it, Job? Some may even think, "If I am good, I will never have to suffer." But suffering is part of being human.

We may never know why some things happen but God may want us to see, in that tragedy, a spiritual "wake-up" call. Sin is universal and life is uncertain at best. Death can strike suddenly to any one at any time. We should praise the Lord when a tragedy comes because a tragedy can come upon anyone at anytime, even you. It may shake our self-confidence but if it awakens our awareness of God, that is a very good thing indeed.

When tragedy strikes, the most important question we should be asking is not, "Why did this happen?" but "Am I prepared to meet God?" ALL tragedy should be a warning to us: Repentance is urgent. It is not optional. It is essential.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

Finally, think about the parable that Jesus gives as a follow-up to His teaching:
Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

What is the point? Simply this: Just as a farmer has a right to expect a harvest from seed sown, God has a right to expect a return on His investment as well. The fig tree had been given an ample opportunity to produce fruit. But it wasn't. All it was doing was wasting space, blocking the sun, and wasting the soil's resource.

If we are looking for a WHY, perhaps that is where we shall find it.

Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it (or fertilize it):

Perhaps God in His great mercy and love is offering us yet another chance - maybe one last chance? Will we learn the lesson of the fig tree? Will we learn anything from tragedies that strike our lives, our nation, our world?

Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Ultimately, judgement is coming to each soul. But God is so gracious that He gives us time, and a warning, so that we can be prepared.

The comforts that our Christ brings can truly open up the eyes of spiritual understanding when someone is hurting, but we must be sure of some facts. For we live in a sin-affected world. Storms like Katrina, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are one of the results of sin entering our world. It is true that God in the past has judged cities and nations for their sin. Sodom and Gomorrah were clearly judged for sin. Nineveh was going to be judged but was spared after they heeded the warning of the prophet Jonah, and repented.

Jesus cried over Jerusalem, a city and a people that never seemed to learn. We today are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

The more immediate and most important judgment we need to be concerned with is our own.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Are we ready? Are you?

Luke 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH.

Friend, if you are not saved, you need to be! Why not contact Bro. Bob directly and speak with him about any Spiritual concerns you might have. Of course, you can also call on me. I would be honored to try to help you and counsel you from the Word of God.

Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do we, and we are praying for you!

Love and prayers in Christ,
Pastor Tim
John 3:30

You can also read Pastor Tim's online journal @ http://www.ourchurch.com/member/p/PastorShumer -or- you can send him an email and request his free, weekly Bible study via email.