By Gigi Kotze
03/10/2024
Across the globe, approximately 36 countries are currently facing floods primarily caused by heavy rainfall, river overflows, and hurricanes. Nepal’s flooding in 2024 has been particularly severe, with the country experiencing its worst monsoon rains in over 50 years. Similarly, Mexico recently faced unprecedented rainfall due to Hurricane Helene, with some areas receiving totals exceeding 12 inches (30 cm) within just a few days. Earthquakes and droughts also continue to wreak havoc, causing widespread destruction each year and leaving people displaced or stripped of their homes and livelihoods.
Firstly, it is essential to recognise that when the Bible speaks of the end times, with the rise in wars and persecution, creation is not exempt. We are reminded that “There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11, NLT). Therefore, as followers of Jesus, we can be certain that natural disasters will only continue and worsen. This presents the Church with an opportunity to be prepared for such events, extending comfort, aid, and hope to those who suffer loss, displacement, and hardship due to these calamities.
These events also serve as powerful reminders of the brokenness in creation and that this world is not our ultimate home. They point to the day when Jesus will return in the clouds. “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us” (Romans 8:19-23, NLT).
In conclusion, as we witness these natural disasters and the increasing brokenness in creation, we are reminded to stand firm in our faith, offering hope and assistance to those in need, while eagerly anticipating the restoration that will come with Christ’s return.
Please join us in prayer:
- Pray for those affected by natural disasters, asking God to bring comfort, healing, and provision to those who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods due to floods, earthquakes, and other calamities.
- Pray for the Church to rise in compassion and that it will be equipped and ready to extend aid, love, and spiritual support to those suffering from natural disasters, reflecting Christ’s compassion in times of crisis.
- Pray for souls to be drawn to Jesus through these disasters and that God would use these crises to open hearts and minds to the Gospel, leading many to salvation and a deeper relationship with Him.
References for information used in video:
https://www.unccd.int/sites/default/files/2023-12/Global%20drought%20snapshot%202023.pdf
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/droughts-by-country
https://www.droughtglobal.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Africa_floods
https://reliefweb.int/disasters?list=Flood%20Disasters&advanced-search=%28TY4611%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Nepal_floods
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153387/devastating-rainfall-from-hurricane-helene
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in_2023
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in_2024
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-world-s-10-most-earthquake-prone-countries.html
