In August and September, southern portions of the Mainland were virtually destroyed by powerful hurricanes and tornadoes. Hawai'i was also threatened by the possibility of several huge storms coming upon us, one right after the other. What's going on here?

Experts are searching in many directions, seeking causes and effects. Why is this happening and what causes it to happen? They are seeking physical reasons and answers for the calamities that are taking place. But is there another source that would give us deeper, spiritual insight as to why these things are happening?

The Bible declares that all the events in nature are God exercising his dominion, and the power of his Divine intervention in the future and destiny of his creation. It is interesting to note that many passages of the Bible reveal God intertwining nature in his dealing with the sinful situations of mankind.

Scripture (Isaiah 45:5-8) declares that, "There is only one God who forms the light and creates the darkness, I make peace for national well-being and I create physical calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things for I have created these things." God controls the elements of nature including the clouds, rain, lightning and wind (Psalms 135:5-7).

These storms can be of such magnitude that those who are caught in them soon realize that they have no way out except to call upon God, who will hear them and cause calm to come upon the sea. By his doing this, man will give honor, glory and praise to God (Psalms 107:23-32).

What is difficult for mankind to comprehend is how a loving God would cause such misery upon the peoples of the earth. Scripture (Job 37:9-13) shares with us that God not only creates physical calamities but guides them wherever he desires. Through these physical calamities, he brings about punishment and correction of mankind for his sins; makes needed corrections to nature; or displays grace for all to see. God is the one who causes all things to happen!

Does this make God sadistic? On the contrary, Scripture (Lamentations 3:32-38) declares that while God causes grief to mankind, he has compassion, loving kindness and mercy toward his children. God does not willingly afflict or grieve mankind. God is indeed the God of love (1 John 4:16).

Mankind has two choices in his relationship with God: Either repent sins or continue in sins. If mankind repents sin, individually and corporately, God — because of his grace — will relent of the calamity that he was going to bring against mankind (Joel 2:12-14). If man does not repent, he can look forward to a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of the living God (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Mankind cannot thwart God's ordained and predestined plans, ways or thoughts (Isaiah 55:6-12).

Harry Simons is pastor of the House of Angels Ministry in Wai'anae and vice president of the Hawai'i Coalition of Christian Churches.