- Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
- Matthew 5:45 - That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
- Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Even in the midst of disaster and afterwards, God is with us and is working to restore.
When disaster strikes, many questions come to mind: Why does God allow evil things to happen? Where is He in suffering?
These questions are not new. Job asked them, the psalmists did, and believers throughout the centuries have pondered this topic. Today's verse reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours. We live in a world affected by sin; here the laws of nature operate, humans have free will, and suffering touches both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45).
God is not the author of sin or evil. He does not create tragedies. But He is sovereign over all things, and nothing is outside His knowledge and control. God is able to fulfill His purposes even in the most difficult situations. He grieves with those who suffer and works to bring comfort, strength, and restoration within them. Although He does not intervene miraculously every time, He never abandons His children.
We should not assume that we can fully explain God's ways. In times when we do not understand His purposes, we must lean on the truths clearly taught in Scripture: God is faithful, He is with us in difficulties, and one day He will gain complete victory over all evil (Revelation 21:4). Even though His ways are higher than our ways, His love and benevolent intention towards us remain unchanged.
Reflection
How can we trust God's presence and benevolent intentions during times of disaster?