A THOUSAND WHYS

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Why? Why? Why?

When calamities strike, we look around for someone or something to point a finger to.

Is global warming to blame? So why aren't the responsible parties doing something to stem its tide?

Was the government negligent, not preparing enough with quick rescue-search-aid-response—when we know that more than 20 typhoons regularly visit our country every year?

Scientists responded: "Blame the higher sea level in these parts. Mix that with hot tropical temperatures and you have a recipe for disaster like what we're always experiencing, year in and year out."

These past few days had all just been a cacophony of questions.

One such question has been hard to answer: "Why would God allow this?"

God needn't justify Himself. But it's only when we seek Him would our questions be answered. God wants us to remember... 

Deutoronomy 8:7-9a: "He's bringing us to a good land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills, a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey, a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing..." 

Hopelessness, hunger and lack is never our kababayans' end state. Tribulation is just part of the process. One day, we will reunite with those who have gone before us—even those who perished in this recent tragedy—and all of our whys will be answered. He will turn everyone's mourning into rejoicing. 

But Jesus himself gave us a heads up. He didn't want us to be ignorant. We have been warned. Tribulations will come, their intensity magnifying as the end draws near. 

In Matthew 24, He spoke of the end of days and how people's hearts will turn from him—but promising to keep in perfect peace those who trust Him. Old testament prophets and His Revelation describe terrible days ahead. The earth as we know it will perish, but in its place will be established a glorious city with Jesus as King and we will eternally rejoice with Him. 

So do not be clueless about what lies ahead. Jesus has constantly been knocking at hearts. "I am the Answer." "The Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6) He promised to save those who would call upon His name. 

I don't doubt at all that when tragedies strike, those who call on His name—as if hanging by a thread or kapit sa patalim—will be saved. Remember the thief crucified with Jesus? He promised to bring him to paradise ASAP!

It's all too hard to comprehend—the devastation, dead bodies strewn all over, the overwhelming desperation. All these are heart-wrenching; so we ask, "Where is God? How could He allow such horrors?" 

Oh how we mourn, and search for answers everywhere. There just seems to be no answers. I just could not comprehend it. But going back to His Word reminded me of these...

God wants us to remember:

He is our Maker. Remember, we are but dust! He breathed life into clayey form, naming it Adam. Unless we're willing to concede that you and I are but created beings—and that Jesus, the Word, is our blueprint for success—then we will be in constant pride mode, shaking our fists at heaven whenever a tragedy occurs. 

That's what He's been doing all along—reaching out to us. "Look to Me. Heed My instructions. Repent. Humble yourselves." And He will restore back to you what the locust has stolen, or what the waters and the wind have broken—either in this life or our ultimate destination, our eternal home. 

From the beginning of time, He had a plan. Even when man sinned, He wanted him back. God loves us, that's why He sent Jesus to save us from ourselves. But God's business is not just about rescuing us from the natural elements—though that is not impossible with Him—but for us to be restored back to Him so that we can be rescued into eternity. 

He is more interested in saving us from our pride so that when or before our end comes, we can be sure of our eternity with him. 

So will things get worse? Yes! Should we be fearful? Yes, in the natural. But there is no fear Christ. He promised to hold our lives at the palm of His hand.

He's been patiently knocking and nudging and whispering and calling. Do not trust in your money or your dwellings or your education (Deutoronomy 8:12,13,17). Entrust your life to Jesus. Savior. King. Lord of all and Lord of whatever deep pit you may have sunk into. 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, Proverbs 1:7. He will instruct us to live our days productively, successfully. 

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And we can demonstrate His love and compassion to those who hurt and cry and are hungry and naked. 

During times like these, let's allow ourselves—those who are now praising God that we've been spared from this calamity—to become the Jesus they have been searching for. Then they will have hope, and know in their hearts that Jesus loves, heals, cares, provides, embraces and saves.

Jesus, heal our hearts. Heal our land. May no other name be glorified.