Finding God in the Midst of Tragedy: Reflections on the LA Fires

We are once again faced with a tragedy in California that has left many people with more questions than answers. Some wonder if this is the apocalypse. These fires feel unprecedented—like something we’ve never seen before.

I recently watched a video of a man standing in front of his burned-down home, looking at his neighbor’s house that remained untouched. The man said, “God was really with my neighbor,” and then he paused, looked at the ruins of his home, and added, “I guess God doesn’t care about me.” My heart broke hearing those words.

It’s easy to look at situations like this and assume that God’s favor is only on those who didn’t lose everything. It’s natural to ask, “What kind of God would allow people to lose homes and lives in a situation like this?” Tragedies often lead us to question God.

Like many of you, I’ve been watching the news, scrolling through social media, and seeing the devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles. Reports have described the destruction as equivalent to the city of Paris being wiped out. Entire areas have been reduced to ashes, leaving pictures that look more like a war zone than a community.

In moments like these, I find myself asking, “God, what are You doing in the midst of this?”

Why Do Disasters Happen?

Let’s address some of the questions on many of our hearts: Why? Where is God? And how can we find hope?

In Luke 13:4-5, Jesus addresses disasters and cautions us against assuming that those who suffer are worse sinners than others. Instead, He calls us all to repentance: “I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Consider Job, who lost his children and property due to enemies, a great fire, and a powerful wind. These disasters were not judgments against Job but rather a test of faith allowed by God (Job 1). It may seem brutal, but it’s a reminder that suffering is not always about punishment.

When God prepares to bring judgment, as seen in Noah’s flood or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, He always gives clear warnings and opportunities to repent. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 tells us that disasters can serve as calls to prayer and repentance with the promise of restoration: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

God is not a God who takes pleasure in destruction. He is slow to anger and abounding in love. He always provides warnings and opportunities to turn back to Him. So, no, these fires are likely not widespread judgment but rather an opportunity for us to reflect, repent, and draw closer to God.

Consequences and Redemption

While disasters may not always be judgment, they can be consequences of human choices. For example, if someone eats fast food and desserts for every meal and develops diabetes, we can’t say that diabetes is a judgment from God. Instead, it’s often the result of poor health decisions. God, in His mercy, often sends warnings before disaster strikes, giving us opportunities to change.

Ultimately, God’s purpose in disasters is not to destroy but to redeem. Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God brings “beauty for ashes,” turning our mourning into joy and our despair into praise.

How Should We Respond?

There are many reasons for these fires and the devastation they cause, but our response should remain the same: to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to show love, kindness, and the goodness of God in the midst of tragedy. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Unless God reveals something to us, we must be cautious not to declare what is or isn’t from Him. However, we can trust that God always has something to say in the midst of these situations.

Here are ways we can respond:

  1. Pray: Join us on Wednesdays this January from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM on Zoom as we pray for those affected by the fires. We will dedicate time each Wednesday to intercede for the firefighters, first responders, evacuees, and those who have lost homes, loved ones, and entire neighborhoods.

  2. Act: Look for opportunities to help people you know who have been directly impacted. Consider sending a donation directly to them. If you don’t know anyone personally, donate to local organizations, volunteer, or send items to those in need.

Organizations like the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and local shelters are excellent places to start.

  1. Share the Gospel: Share this post with others to spread awareness and hope. Tell someone about Jesus today. Invite them to Rohi Christian Church or start a Jesus Disciple class to help them grow in their faith.

Finding Hope

While I don’t know exactly what God is doing in the midst of these fires, I do know this: He can bring beauty from ashes. He is with us in every trial, offering comfort, hope, and redemption. Let us be His light in this dark time, pointing others to His unchanging love and grace.

Donation Information:

https://www.cafirefoundation.org/

https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/