The world has just witnessed one of the most powerful and devastating storms in history. The storm was so severe that the U.S. Air Force Reserves 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” had to turn back due to the extreme turbulence in the eye of the storm. We are now seeing pictures and videos of the massive storm and its destruction on major news outlets and social media.

Where was God?

The question many will wrestle with is, “Where was God when this storm developed and then destroyed?” It is the age-old question that arises every time something of this magnitude happens. Well, to put it as simply as I know how, God was where He always is, on the throne of the universe. He is in control, and He is keenly aware of everything that ever happens in all of His creation.

Why do storms like this occur?

So, let’s revisit some questions that always come up when the world experiences another episode of the power of nature. First, why do storms like this occur? If God is really powerful enough to create everything that exists by simply speaking words into sheer nothingness and bringing everything that exist into being, then why does He not do a better job of overseeing the day-to-day operations of His creation?

The answer to that is found in the Book of Genesis. God had instructed His human creation – Adam and Eve – about what was permissible and not permissible. The list of the permissible was long and included the enjoyment of the marvel of God’s creation. The list of things not permitted was very short, including only one command: They were not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disobeyed, and the entire earth suffered the consequences. Paul gives some insight into this matter:

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22

He is referring here to the fact that the earth is under the curse of God, and the ravages of nature are a testimony to that reality. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados, floods, and every other disaster from nature happen due to the curse. That, in an overly simplistic way, tells us why storms such as Hurricane Melissa develop and destroy.

Could God not have diverted the storm’s path?

A second question follows on the heels of the first: Could God not have diverted the storm’s path? And the answer is yes, God could have caused the storm to simply go out over the sea, never intersecting with land masses. But again, the earth groaning under the curse becomes apparent when we see things like this happen. The curse affects every area of God’s creative work upon the earth. The Bible is replete with examples and illustrations of this painful truth. Theoretically, when we go back to the account of creation, and the placing of man in the Garden of Eden, had Adam and Eve not disobeyed the Garden would have been their permanent home: a home of absolute perfection without all the ravages of the curse. Since that event, the curse runs rampant. Could God intervene and circumvent a storm to protect His human creation? Certainly He could, but the curse He pronounced has its destructive effects on the entirety of creation, and for Him to intervene would mean that the curse was meaningless.

Does the fact that the storm made a direct hit on Jamaica mean that they were deserving of God’s personal wrath and judgment?

A third question must be addressed: Does the fact that the storm made a direct hit on Jamaica mean that they were deserving of God’s personal wrath and judgment? Every time something like this happens, we hear people making the absurd accusation against those who have been affected by the disaster. I remember distinctly hearing his judgment call after hurricane Katrina devasted the gulf coast of the United States. Certain individuals and groups were bashing the people of New Orleans, saying that the storm was God’s judgment against that city.

We must guard ourselves against making such rash and unfounded judgment calls. Listen carefully to these words of Jesus:

Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, to you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:2-5

Storms happen; disasters occur; destruction comes; deaths are multiplied; families are devastated; property is destroyed; hopelessness results; questions arise. And it all goes back to what we believe about God and His sovereign rule over His creation.

As we think through this horrific event, let’s pray for those in Jamaica who have personally been affected by this disaster. Multitudes will now go to the areas that are in the most desperate need, giving help, providing resources, and assisting with whatever needs show themselves to be of greatest concern.

And let’s never forget: God loves them, and He will reach out to them through the arms and resources that His people can give.

May God bless the people of Jamaica with His presence through His people, who are sharing and showing His love, being the hands and feet of our Lord.