Hurricanes and Floods: Where is God?

Natural disasters—earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires—strike across the globe, bringing suffering and loss. In their wake, people often ask: Why did this happen? Why does God allow such devastation?

Growing up in Lima, Peru, I witnessed the Rimac River overflow three times, causing floods that devastated my community, leading to loss of life and property. In times like these, some claim natural disasters are God’s punishment for sin. However, this belief misrepresents God’s nature and reflects an ancient understanding of natural forces, where disasters were seen as divine retribution. But in reality, hurricanes and other natural events are part of the Earth's processes. Even hurricanes, despite their destructive power, contribute to the environment by replenishing drought-stricken areas, dispersing seeds for new plant growth, and redistributing heat from the equator.

God created a beautiful, diverse planet, full of wonder. As the song "So Will I" beautifully says, "I can see Your heart in everything You've done." Yet, in the midst of this beauty, suffering exists. Natural disasters occur, often prompting us to ask, “Where is God?” The Bible writers acknowledge that even in times of catastrophe, God is not absent. Rather than seeing disasters as acts of divine judgment, we should focus on how God’s presence is revealed in the compassion and support we offer one another during crises.

God’s presence is manifested not by preventing disasters, but by being with us through them. In moments of pain, God is present in the love and care we extend to others. When we provide food, shelter, or emotional support, we reflect the heart of God—just as Jesus did. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that God’s love extends to all, both "the evil and the good," and that rain falls on "the just and unjust alike" (Matthew 5:45). Disasters are not punishments; they are part of the natural world.

When disasters strike, rather than questioning God’s motives, we should consider how the Divine works through us. God is revealed in the kindness and compassion we show when we help those in need. As followers of Jesus, even small acts, like offering a cup of water (Matthew 10:42), make God’s presence known. Through our response, we embody God’s love, making the kingdom of God visible in a hurting world. In the face of tragedy, we find God not in the cause, but in the response—in the hands that rebuild, the arms that comfort, and the communities that restore hope. Through these acts of grace, God transforms suffering into healing.

So Will I (100 Billion X) Benjamin Hastings / Joel Houston / Michael Fatkin