Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Billy Graham Calls Katrina Worse Tragedy Since Civil War

So many people have tried to lay the blame for the tragic hurricane Katrina either at the feet of President Bush or on God. Some have asked why God would allow such a thing. Here's what Evangelist Billy Graham had to say:

"Job in the Bible asked the same question thousands of years ago, and his only answer was that God's ways are often beyond our understanding, and yet He is sovereign and He can still be trusted. The Bible says evil is a mystery. Someday we will understand, but not now."

At times, we are too quick to lay blame. As a radio commentator said today from a Birmingham station, "We do not know what God is thinking. The only way we can learn His ways is to read His Word."

Sin is sin - and we will all have to answer. But, if God was behind the hurricane to get rid of sin, why hasn't he already destroyed us all? Why hasn't he destroyed places that are in worse shape than New Orleans? Why would he destroy the poor? My God is a just God. He says He will let it rain on the just and the unjust. There are things each of us will have to go through, and, although God may let it happen, that doesn't mean HE is the cause.
"The Bible also promises, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. ...Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you' (Isaiah 43:2,4). May this tragedy make each of us realize our need of God, and may we turn to Christ in repentance and faith and find our hope in Him."
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2 Comments:

Carol said...

It will rain on the just and the unjust, but tragedy also happen to both - that's the result of sin.

I don't know that God sent Katrina to destroy sin or sinners. If Katrina serves to make anyone realize they are a godless person in need of the One True God, then to Him be the glory.

Barbara said...

You are so right, Carol! Tragedies sometimes do humble people and bring them closer to God. But, they also drive some away. That's one reason I do not believe God puts all this on us; it just happens to be in His weather pattern.

I believe the Word tells us to be ready, come what may. He doesn't say he's going to protect the Christian from these tragedies. But,if it happens to us, then He is there for us.