Why God?   Sometimes we ask this question of God.

Michael Sei Davis 

America is currently in a drought.  Not a physical crop failure, but a spiritual (spiritual: obedient to God’s Law/Word) crop failure.  The consequences are all around us: the murdering of humans before birth, the legalizing of same-sex civil unions, et cetera.  What were once shameful lifestyles are now openly masqueraded.  During this drought, tragedy has struck America: school shootings, September 11, the anthrax scare, the sniper shootings, and lately the loss of the Columbia space crew/shuttle.  Why did these tragedies occur?  What role did God play in all of this? 

            Some believe that God plays no role in our affairs.  Others don't believe that God even exists...America is the only nation ever founded as a Christian nation.  That’s not to say America was perfect, but overall Christianity has had a tremendous impact on the fabric of our culture.  For this reason, would it be too hard to believe that God is calling America back to His righteous standard, even through these tragedies? All of history (literally: “His” story) conforms to God’s ultimate plan.  These tragedies are also a part of His ultimate design.  He did not cause them, wicked men did and they shall be judged for them.  Or as in the case of the Columbia Space Program, the loss was a result of human error.  God did not cause the tragedies, but He allowed them to happen to fulfill His ultimate plan.  So what is that plan?  Why did God allow these tragedies to take place?  To answer that, let us take a step back into 'his'tory.  Nearly two thousand years ago the Lord Jesus Christ answered a similar question.  Luke 13:1-5 reads:

            1.There were some present at that very time who told [Jesus] of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had             mingled with their sacrifices. 2.And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus?  3.I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.  4.Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem?  5.I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (RSV)                                                                                                    

            Jesus showed us that God allowed these tragedies for a reason... Asking God, "Why did you do this?" is to miss the point entirely.  Rather we should ask ourselves, "What can I learn from this?"  That is an easier (but not simpler) question to answer..."Repent!  Otherwise you shall likewise perish."