WHY ALL THE NATURAL DISASTERS?

"Why are we getting all these natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, floods storms and hurricanes?" This is a question on many people's minds, because as you may have noticed, this world seems to be tearing apart at the seams. Take a look at Bible prophecy news and you will see new reports virtually every week about some natural disaster. Newsweek's editor, Tina Brown said ... "International mayhem increases at every turn."

It's no good looking to the mass media, or to man for the answers to these disasters. The only place we can get a reliable answer as to what is going on and why, is from the Bible, and specifically, the last book of the Bible, Revelation!

Revelation 7:1-3 ...'And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.'

"The four winds of the earth" represent worldwide natural disasters, war and conflict, and in His mercy, God, through the four mighty angels has been holding back the tide of evil forces and preventing "all hell" from breaking loose upon this earth. But as the end times unfold and we draw closer to that "great day" when Jesus returns at the second coming, the angels begin to loosen their grip on the "four winds" and allow satanic forces to unleash their fury upon this world. This is the real reason why natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes etc., are increasing.

"The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture." (E.White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 408)

Man in his "wisdom" may try to explain all these disasters, but the truth is, God is even now starting to withdraw His restraining Spirit from the world, and soon, once the angels have let go of the "four winds", then we will see a time of trouble that no man in history has ever seen ... Daniel 12:1 ...'And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.'

But Why?!

Why would a loving God who seeks to save the lost withdraw His Spirit from the earth and allow Satan to unleash his fury? The answer is quite simple. In every country and every city and every island, the majority of earth's population are openly, and recklessly breaking the commandments of God, which He wrote Himself on those two lumps of rock (Exodus 31:18). Paul, in Ephesians 4:30 tells us to "grieve NOT the Holy Spirit". Unfortunately, this is exactly what the majority of earth's inhabitants are doing everyday.

In Genesis 6:3 God reveals that his "spirit shall not always strive with man", which is why He is withdrawing His restraining hand from this world. According to God's book, the Bible, breaking the ten commandments is sin ... 1 John 3:4 ...'Sin is the transgression of the law.' And yet "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Christ Jesus took the penalty for our sin and died in our place so that we may have life. And yet the majority of the world continues to reject this awesome love from our Creator!

So if we repent of our sins, confess them to God and believe in Christ Jesus as Saviour, then as 1 John 1:9 says ... "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Those who choose to do this in these end times we live in, those who give their hearts and lives to Christ Jesus and obey each of the ten commandments of God, will receive the seal of God (Revelation 7:2-3) and will be protected when the four winds are finally and totally released and Satan has full control of this world for a short time.

As horrible as these natural disasters of earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, fires and tornados are, God has a purpose in allowing these terrible things to happen. In a nutshell, He is desperately trying to get our attention. REPENT! is His urgent plea to the world in the midst of these disasters. Yet few of us seem to listen to His loving plea!

Now a careful study of Bible prophecy concerning the end times will reveal that misguided religious leaders will one day soon misinterpret these events and claim that "God is punishing human beings for their refusal to keep Sunday sacred.", even though the ten commandments plainly state that the sabbath day is the seventh day of the week (our Saturday). If any leader brings a law, ie., the Sunday law into effect, which goes against the Word and Command of God, then you know you can reject it, as our allegiance to God comes first.

On October 8, 1871, the famous evangelist D.L. Moody was preaching to an immense crowd in Chicago about the importance of sinners making commitments to Jesus Christ. "Call for decisions now!" was the urgent impression of the Holy Spirit to the preacher. But Moody hesitated. Instead, he told his spellbound hearers that he would call for decisions next week. That crowd never returned. During the closing song the loud sirens of fire trucks declared that the Great Chicago Fire had begun. It blazed for two days, killing hundreds. Oh how Moody later wished he had made that appeal!

Friend, deadly disasters can strike at anytime. And in His mercy God is calling us to repentance, so that we may be saved and enjoy eternal life with Christ Jesus. A time is coming soon when all these disasters and troubles will be gone forever. But we can only have hope if we give our hearts to Christ. Don't miss out on a glorious life to come. Give your life to Jesus today!