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). ...
