Where was God?

Where was God during the Haiti earthquake when thousands upon thousands of people were killed? First let me say that I totally reject the Pat Robertson theory, based on an undocumented rumor of a long-ago Haitian pact with the Devil and remind myself that this is the same man who blamed 9/11 on the sinful condition of America and said New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina because the U.S. condones the gay lifestyle. Sorry, that’s not the God I worship and serve. So, let me take a stab at answering the question of God’s whereabouts. With the disobedience of Adam and Eve the world ceased to be perfect. So we can stop expecting things to always be right as we define rightness. What we can expect is that in every circumstance of life – be it favorable or unfavorable – God promises to be with us. The Bible is filled with descriptions of natural calamities. In them, God is always present with believers. Even when the earth around the cross quaked (Matthew 27:51) and the only Son of God was crucified, God the Father was present. As an earthquake shook open jail doors, Paul and Silas were singing songs of praise for God’s presence with them (Acts 16:25-26). One of the most touching scenes in the many hours of television coverage from Haiti was the people of that devastated country, walking down the cluttered streets, singing praises to God. They affirmed the sustaining power of an ever-present God. Many questions remain. While we only “know in part,” someday we will know as we are known (1 Cor. 13:12). Until then, my heart will go on singing – even in the midst of disaster.

Join me in praying for Haiti:
• For those who mourn the loss of family and friends.
• For those who still do not know the condition of loved ones.
• For relief workers, care-givers, medical personnel, military personnel, all who assist.
• For thousands in make-shift hospitals, clinging to life.
• For those who, in days to come, will suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.