All sorts of human decisions contributed to the tragedy in New Orleans, but it was nevertheless a natural disaster—an "act of God." Where was God when the 140-mph winds hit Mississippi? (or more recently, when the tsunami hit the Solomon Islands) Where was he when the levees broke and flooded New Orleans? God was there, on the ground, in his people, suffering along with them. When one part of the body suffers, Paul said, every part suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26)—and that includes the head of the body, Jesus Christ. He suffers with us. When we grieve, he grieves, too. When we suffer, he suffers, too. See the article on the Christian Odyssey site: Disaster in New Orleans, by Joseph Tkach.

Why God allows suffering 

The suffering God

Finding meaning in tragedy: Scripture tells us that God can be trusted to take good care of those who put their faith in him. But the Bible makes no bones about the fact that it takes faith, because the actual path of human life, even for the faithful, as we know so well, is regularly fraught with trouble, trial and pain. Article by J. Michael Feazell

Why does God allow evil? We can ask why God allowed people to die -- but we also need to ask why God allows us to live. Each of us has had wrong thoughts, evil thoughts. Why does God allow evil within us? None of us deserves to escape punishment, and yet God allows escape, too. If we ask why there is evil, we should also ask why there is mercy. Why should God forgive us when we do not deserve to be forgiven? See article by Michael Morrison

God vs. tsunami

Job: on trial for his life The message of Job has deep implications for the Christian’s relationship with God. Trials and suffering can provide spiritual enrichment and build a relationship between us and God. Job also tells us that just because Christians suffer trials or tragedies does not mean God is punishing them for some sin.

Trials and rejoicing? Article by Joseph Tkach