God’s Will

Hurricanes have a way of making theologians out of all of us. After experiencing the devastations of two back-to-back hurricanes, it can be a challenging to place God in the midst of such destruction. The question of theodicy goes something like this… if God is able but not willing to prevent natural disasters, then God can’t be good. Conversely, if God is willing but not able to do so, then God can’t be all that powerful. For many of us, this is an unavoidable paradox that sends us chasing our tails in a fit of frustration. 

Rather than write a theological dissertation about God’s will, which would bring me far more joy than is normal, allow me to state my conclusion…. it doesn’t really matter. God does not need a lawyer, nor do we need to fully understand. At some point, we may even feel the need to shift the blame away from God and onto our own action or inaction. While it’s true that we are trapping ourselves into the atmosphere with carbon emissions, it still doesn’t resolve the question of God’s will.

Without too much consideration, hurricanes can even begin to feel like God’s cruel punishment. Although I don’t have all the answers, I am certain that this reaction is a product of bad theology. God does not cause or use tragedy. I know there’s a lot of punishment in the Bible, but remember, the Bible is not God, and it does not it contain the fullness of God. The Bible certainly does not contain all the answers. Rather, the Bible is a window into how the people of God have understood God overtime. To desire an intimate relationship with that which we do not understand is what spirituality is all about.

At the end of the day… I don’t know, and to be honest, I don’t think it matters. What matters is that there are real dangers and people who are really suffering. When theologians muse about theodicy, it may be interesting, but it is largely a distraction. It is callous indifference that threatens the work of Christ in the world. God shacks us from our apathy!

We are called, not to explain suffering, but to alleviate it. There are few things as ugly or as damaging as orthodoxy without orthopraxy. When Christians prioritize people having the right beliefs over having the right actions… Christianity inevitably dies. Where is God in the midst of hurricanes? God is in the cleanup. God is helping us to accompany those in dire need. God is in the hearts of those who give generously to their neighbors, wishing they could do more. Inspired by God, we will keep moving toward efforts that rebuild, restore, and provide refuge from the storms.

Praying always,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Colby Winfield