God's Mad @ Haiti?

Q: Right after the earthquake in Haiti, Pat Robertson said it was because God was mad at their sinful ways. A lot of people dismissed Robertson as being a radical. But let's face it, the suffering in Haiti continues even now. Isn't this really the evidence playing itself out? I mean isn't the continued suffering in Haiti really proving that Robertson may have been right - and that God is indeed mad at Haiti?

A: Let's remember that no one knows the Lord's ways. (Ecclesiastes 8:17) I personally am loathe to say it, but it is within the realm of what's possible that God did send the earthquake on Haiti to punish it for its sinful ways. But it is equally possible that God sent the earthquake to shake Haiti up and help it turn from those sinful ways. I'm reminded of many other natural disasters in modern times where the people pulled together and the city was better off after. Shared or common adversity has a way of creating binding unity.

Hard-lined Christians who will arrogantly state that God was mad at Haiti and sent the earthquake to punish that nation would do well to remember that this is not how God has acted in the past. Even in the notorious case of Sodom and Gomorrah, God said He would not destroy the city of Sodom if He could find just ten (10) righteous people. (Genesis 18) God was willing to show mercy on the entire city of wicked people - for the sake of a handful of righteous people.

Fast forward from Sodom to Haiti, and it isn't too hard to imagine that there are probably more than ten (10) righteous people in Haiti before the earthquake. There are probably more than ten (10) righteous people in Haiti now too.

Man cannot understand the ways of God, and we shouldn't waste our time trying. Better that we should invest our time being obedient and loving. The Bible says that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated. It is hard to imagine that Pat Robertson, when he is experiencing tragedy and heartache, would appreciate someone pointing out his sin. I'm reminded of the scenario where Job was rebuked by his friends in his hour of need. They were convinced that his suffering had to be the result of some sin on his part. They were entirely wrong too.