Suffering
Why does God allow suffering in our world: especially from natural disasters? There are actually people that believe that they have the answer to this question; Pat Robertson is one of these individuals. I for one, do not subscribe to this theory. God is the fullness of love and compassion; so why all these disasters? Regarding evil, this quote:
"God has deemed it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit evil at all."
-- St. Augustine
Does God allow natural disasters, and the subsequent suffering that follows from these events, to occur for the same reason? Could anything positive ensue from such disasters and human suffering? We all have witnessed the horrific human destruction in Haiti; the latest disaster to effect our globe. The loss of life is mind-boggling; the pain and suffering could never be adequately described, it's devastating! So what good could possibly come from this living hell? I don't have a clue.
One thing, however, is the genuine love, compassion, and charity that is being displayed for all to see. People have responded to this event with more urgency then any other that I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. America, once again, leading the relief effort; God bless the United States of America, and all the other nations that have given of themselves and their resources.
There is not a person on the face of the earth that could answer why these events take place. God, in his infinite wisdom allows nature to react naturally, as he intended; Including allowing natural disasters to take place. In the same way he allows human beings to make choices on there own, without interfering.
At times like this, we should not ask ourselves the reason why things take place. I believe, our trust and faith in God, and his wisdom, will ultimately lead us to a better place. In the meantime, we as human beings could only continue to show love, compassion, and charity, to those in need. In God's own time, it shall be made known to us, the answers to the many mysteries we confront on a daily basis.
One day we will find ourselves in a place free from all of suffering and iniquities of this world. At that time, we shall find ourselves in the presence of our Creator, enjoying the eternal joy prepared for us in heaven.