On the morning of February 6, while most people were still asleep, a huge earthquake hit the Turkish region of Gaziantep.
This has been followed by further quakes causing devastation in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. As I write, the number of dead exceeds 32,000.
Natural disasters like this seem so unfair; so random, taking people’s lives for no reason.
Where is God in all of this? Why doesn’t he do something? Does he not even care?
We all struggle with this and have done so for Millenia.
Our image of God ranges from angry fiery dart throwing gods to loving gods protecting everyone from all harm. At times like these, the former is easier to believe.
Truth is, we live in a broken world where disaster and suffering are part of life. It reminds us we are not in control; and should make us run to the one who is.
That God, stepped into this world, born as a baby whose life was one of marginalisation, persecution, humiliation and finally an unjust death. Yet when he was asked about the suffering of natural disasters he said:
‘’Or those 18n who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than all the others in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”’[Luke 13:4 NIV] Jesus was pointing to our greater need, which is reconciliation with God and life with him for eternity.
Our hearts go out to those in Turkey and Syria who are desperately seeking their loved ones, and those now homeless particularly in freezing conditions.
We pray that God will meet them in their need, both physically, but eternally too.
Ian Stewart from Christ Church Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
