“Let us hope…that a kind Providence will put a speedy end to the acts of God under which we have been laboring.”
~
Have you ever heard the term “Act of God?” The term “Act of God” is used in both general and legal terms. In the world system, everything beyond human control is considered an “Act of God,” but is it? When things happen in your life beyond your control, is this an “Act of God?” Are you quick to blame God when things don’t go your way? Do you assume that since this or that has happened that it must be the will of God for your life?
The effects of creation are experienced around the world daily. The news regularly reports earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, tsunamis, wildfires, blizzards, ice storms, lightning strikes, etc., and are quick to blame God or Mother Nature. There is a double standard at work here. The world system goes to great lengths to keep God out of our schools, the public square, and world policy. But as soon as there is anything that happens out of the control of humanity, it’s deemed an “Act of God.” We don’t want God having a say-so in our day-to-day lives, but yet God must be held responsible for the catastrophic events throughout the world? Hmmm…
Fundamentalists are quick to shout that God is punishing this nation or that group of people when so-called “Acts of God” unfold. America is evil; that is why the hurricane hit the United States. Aids is God’s way of punishing gay people. COVID-19 is God’s way of bringing the world to its knees and forcing the world to unify, or it’s God’s way of punishing the world for being an abomination.
Why is humankind so quick to blame God for everything out of its control?
Do you blame God for everything you experience that is out of your control, e.g., illness, accidents, etc.?
Humanity demands justice but hates to experience it and is quick to pass the blame.
Is it possible that the catastrophic events that occur worldwide happen because we live in a fallen world? God or, if you wish, Mother Nature, created the earth for one purpose, but humanity has highjacked creation for itself. Could it be that these so-called “Acts of God” are not from God or Mother Nature at all but a byproduct of the selfish nature of humankind forcing our will upon all of creation?
It’s kind of like swatting a hornet’s nest with a stick; as a result, getting stung multiple times in return, and then attempting to pass the blame onto God or Mother Nature.
If the Bible is correct, and there exists no rational reason to think otherwise, then God created the world perfectly in every way and deemed it good. All of creation fell when humans fell. (Genesis 1-3) We shouldn’t be surprised at all because both creation and humanity operate from a failed state. (1 Peter 4:12)
When we understand the nature of pride/selfishness, it helps make sense of why bad things happen to all walks of life. These so-called “Acts of God” are not “Acts of God” at all, but the acts of creation existing in a failed state. Disease, accidents, and catastrophic events are not from God but the result of humanity’s selfishness and carelessness.
If someone were to light a match in a dry forest, it has the potential to start a massive wildfire, “Act of God,” or another selfish act by a human; you be the judge?
Jesus tells us that salvation will occur for all of creation, not just humankind. The Kingdom of God is to be restored on earth as it is in heaven. Meaning, the failed state of the universe will no longer exist, paradise will once again prevail, and peace and tranquility will fill the air. (Revelation 21)
What does this mean for us now, and what are we supposed to do in the meantime? Believe it or not, humanity is not only the cause of creation’s failed state but tasked as part of the solution. Remember that salvation is for all of creation, not only humans. God empowers us to become part of the restoration process. We are to help usher in the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.
You may say, “okay, but how do we do this?”
First and foremost, living by the love commandment. God says that we must love God, love others like ourselves, and help change the world. If I love you, I will do everything in my power to help protect you and make sure you have everything you need in life to thrive. Imagine our world if everyone loved each other and all of creation in this way. The truth is the original “Act of God” created everything in this manner, and it will take an “Act of God” through us to help restore creation to its original form and purpose.
Are you ready?
When are you going to quit living for yourself, blaming God for your woes, and start helping usher in the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven?
My Creator, thank You for the gift of creation; it’s good, mysterious, and breathtaking in every way. You created the world and said it was good. You created humanity and said that we were good. We are not good on our own; we are only good because You are good. Please grant me the humility, willingness, and courage to help usher in Your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Please take away my tendency to blame You for all the problems in my life and throughout the world and see everything for what it truly is, fallen people living in a fallen world. God, you promised that one day You would redeem all of creation; please grant me the ability to trust Your promise and live as if it’s already happening. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialized, now and forever. Amen.
Image by Chris Gallagher
Donna M Bondurant says
Wonderful devotion. Great explanation of our world past and present and the future to think about.
Harold Long says
Thank you, Donna, and glad you are living a Jesus-centered life and helping advance the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.