Tragedy In Nigeria And Congo

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Apr 2002

Two tragic disasters in Africa hit the headlines early this year - the volcanic eruption in Eastern Congo and the munitions explosion at a military depot in Lagos, Nigeria.

First came the 'natural' disaster in Congo, altogether beyond human control. A flood of red hot lava poured through the Goma area, devastating the town, claiming many lives and forcing thousands to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring Rwanda.

Just weeks later fire broke out at the Ikeja army barracks in Lagos. It spread to an adjacent munitions depot, causing multiple explosions for several hours. The army complex was situated near residential and industrial areas, resulting in widespread damage to property and heavy loss of life. Fleeing in panic from flames and heat, many stumbled into swampy local waterways and were drowned.

We have felt deep concern for the thousands who have suffered in these calamities. From our readership in Lagos has come welcome news of being spared from injury or bereavement. Thankfully they acknowledge God's protective care. In such crises the Christian believer instinctively looks above for God's help, sharing the trust of the psalmist who wrote:

'I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him will I trust."...

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night...

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.'

Yet the Christian is not promised immunity from injury, death or financial loss when disaster strikes. So often superb Christian faith and courage have shone out through the blackness of tragic suffering, greatly to the glory of God. By contrast, many people profess to find it difficult to believe in God because of natural disasters, human cruelty and universal disease. How can there be an all-loving and all-powerful God, they reason, when such human anguish is allowed to continue? The Bible throws light on this deeply perplexing question, and invites our trust in what God has chosen to explain. It counsels us, however, also to trust God's perfect wisdom and love regarding questions to which He has not seen fit at present to give us all the answers. We do well to share David's attitude when he wrote:

'LORD, my heart is not haughty,

Nor my eyes lofty,

Neither do I concern myself with great matters,

Nor with things too wonderful for me.' (Ps.131:1)

The Book of Job describes an experience of deep suffering in the life of a great saint of God, and reveals the high spiritual purpose which lay behind God's permission of undeserved affliction. As Job endured grievous bereavement, sudden loss of all his wealth and painful, degrading illness, he was unaware of the spiritual issues at stake, issues so vital to the honour of God. Yet he clung to God in faith. As his wife reeled under the impact of his fearful ordeal she declared: '"Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!"' A terse statement which reflects the attitude of many who readily blame God for human suffering, or indeed renounce His very existence. '"You speak as one of the foolish women speaks,"' Job replied. '"Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?"'

While holding fast his integrity, Job nevertheless wrestled in anguish of mind with a sense of injustice, longing to lay his case before God and be given reasons for his calamity. Remarkably he was not given an explanation! Instead God reminded Job of the awesome divine wisdom and power so evident in the marvels of creation; as if to say, 'In the light of this which you know, will you not trust me to act justly and wisely in all things?' The point got home to Job. He admitted to God, '"I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know."'

Nor must we allow things which we do not know or understand to prejudice us against accepting the massive evidence in creation of God's everlasting power and divinity (Rom.1:20). In addition we have clearly confirmed evidence of His redemptive purposes in Christ. As to matters not yet revealed, including deep divine purposes in tragic sufferings, faith awaits that day when we shall know even as we have been known (1 Cor.13:12).

PRASHER, G. | Apr 2002
Focus