Haiti

I was watching an episode of Larry King Live on CNN in late January.  Actor Sean Penn was commenting that the people of Haiti have been “bullied by God.” I immediately thought, “Wow.  How can someone come to that conclusion?”  Unfortunately, as I entered into conversations with others... I soon found that a lot of people have the same or similar ideas.

An amazing (to me) number of people are angry, shaking their fists towards the sky and even going so far as to say that they can’t believe that there is a God.  Others ask that if God is a God of love, how could He have allowed such a tragedy?

I immediately began to think about John 10:10:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 [AMP]

It is satan and his demonic forces that wreak havoc upon the earth.  Unfortunately, people don’t consider what the Bible says about satan.  They simply focus on God, and then express their incredulity at the concept of an all-powerful God Who is love (1^st John 4:8,16) causing or allowing such a horrible tragedy.

It is interesting how even non-religious people will believe in or acknowledge that there is a God (particularly when they are desperate for help, or if they want someone to blame)... yet nobody seems to acknowledge the biblical character called satan... the devil... the one who steals, kills and destroys.

Yes, God is omnipotent -- all powerful.  But there are certain things that have been set into motion and God’s plan allows these things to persevere for a season.  He gives man free will and the choice to choose between good or evil.  There are men who earn fortunes and use the money to amass material things.  Others use their fortunes to help others.  It is all a matter of free will.

To follow good is to follow God.  To follow evil is to follow satan.  We have read 2^nd Corinthians 4:4 and have come to understand that satan is the god (small “g”) of this world.  Ephesians 2:2 calls satan the prince of the power of the air. Further, Ephesians 6:12 [AMP] uses these words to describe demonic forces:

• despotisms
• powers
• [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness
• spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere

Like it or not, satan is on this planet and, despite what a certain televangelist may have had to say about it... nobody needs make a deal with the devil to have him perpetuate evil in this world.  But the good news is that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) -- so we can be of good cheer.  Yes, tragedy has struck the Haitians.  Yet, we see them singing and praising with joy in their hearts... seeing the good that rises amidst great evil.

So then, since the devil is the source of these problems, why doesn’t God just do something about the devil then? He will (Revelation 20:10).  The demonic sources of wickedness will be finally destroyed during what we call “judgment day.” The delay in that day coming is due to a large degree to God’s desire to reach those who are being deceived by those wicked forces... so that they might avoid that same end (2^nd Peter 3:9).

One thing that is overlooked is the fact that those who love and serve God are quick to run to areas of devastation to bring healing.  Look at people like Mother Teresa who spent her live helping others.  Even the well-meaning boneheads who were trying to move children across the border... they went because of the conviction of their faith.

What good can come from this disaster? A country with zero infrastructure, rampant poverty and almost consistent illiteracy is beginning to receive those things as aid and relief workers move in to rebuild (or, more accurately, build) those things. God has a track record for taking things meant for evil and turning them around for good (Genesis 50:20) and, despite the pain and suffering, Haiti stands to rise from the ashes better and stronger than before.

Those who are in Christ should continue to pray for Haiti.  They should give to help those organizations that are assisting in helping the Haitian people.  And, most importantly... that those whose eyes are blinded may see the love of Christ.