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Too Many Hurricanes: Why Me?
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 by Sarah Schwerin

The pictures haunted me. In the first shot, stylish home décor filled the antique store from floor to ceiling. In the next snap, water and storm debris filled the store. Everything ruined. This business was one of many in the southeastern United States ruined by Hurricane Helene. Not long afterward, Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, wreaking similar destruction. The southeastern portion of our country is no stranger to devastating storms. Why? Did this region do something to become the target of these natural disasters? Why is there so much suffering in the world?

Job asked the same question as he sat in the ash heap that his life had become. He had lost everything: his wealth, his children, his reputation, and his health. We know Job did not deserve to suffer. Job was a model human. God even bragged about Job’s righteousness to Satan. Yet, Job found himself with nothing except a sick body and friends who tried to help but only caused more grief for their ailing companion.

The middle part of the book of Job contains a lengthy discourse between Job and his friends, who accused him of wrongdoing. They held fast to their false theology that all the suffering in the world was because of the retribution formula. Yet, Job did not let his friend’s false beliefs sway him. He knew he was blameless and anticipated God’s justice.

Eventually, Job received what he wanted: God spoke. Yet God’s answer was not what Job expected or anyone undergoing suffering would expect. God never told Job why he suffered. He never answered his questions, but God’s reply provides needed hope and encouragement for Job and us when we question the suffering in our world.

The fact that God answered Job is key. Even though he did not see or feel God’s presence, God never left Job and he will never leave us. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (ESV).

God’s reply also showed that he is sovereign over all creation and Job is not. God is trustworthy and reliable. He orchestrates the events of our lives. We may not understand all the storms in our lives, but we need to understand that God is working all things out for our good. “For I know the plans I have for you, declare the LORD, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV).

Job’s friends were right when they declared God a God of justice, yet they did not balance their view with God’s mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (ESV). Since Adam’s fall in the garden of Eden, the Lord seeks ways to redeem us, to bring us back into a right relationship with him. Even though we may suffer now, like Job, God has blessed us in the past and will continue to bless us in the future.

Wars abound. Children are abused. Poverty and homelessness continue to flourish. The storms of life crush our spirits and make us question the goodness of God. Job never knew why he suffered, but he discovered something more fulfilling than an answer.

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you” (Job 42:5). We can read our Bibles and hear others discuss their experiences with God, but sometimes it is only in suffering that we meet God face to face. Sometimes, it is only when everything is taken from us that we realize we have everything we need because it is in those moments that we cling to God, the maker of the heavens and earth, who only wants good things for us.

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