Some reasons that God has behind the suffering and disasters that he controls:
1. Disaster can remind us that this
world has been infected by sin and its consequences (Rom. 8:20-22).
2. Disasters that directly result
from sin remind us of the terrible character of sin and can teach us to take
more seriously the importance of avoiding sin ourselves (Rom. 6:23).
3. Disasters warn us of the coming
of God's final judgment (Lk. 13:1-5).
4. For Christians, suffering can
increase our appreciation for what Christ suffered for us. We suffer in fellowship with Christ (Phil.
3:10).
5. Suffering can remind us of the
importance of Christ's compassion for us, because he himself suffered (Heb.
4:15; 5:7). He compassionately
understands our suffering.
6. Sufferings can be used by God to
sanctify our character (Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).
7. Sufferings can refine our faith
and give glory to God (1 Pet. 1:6-7).
[Vern S. Poythress, "Chance
and the Sovereignty of God"]
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