7 Reasons Why God Allow Earthquakes

Why does God allow earthquakes? A lot of people who suffered from natural calamities have asked this question. Sadly, they haven’t found the answer. Thankfully, you can know the answer. Here are the seven reasons God allow earthquakes.

7 Reasons Why God Allow Earthquakes
Why does God allow earthquakes?

There are 12,000 to 14,000 earthquakes recorded around the world every year.

On average, there are 10,000 people who die due to earthquakes annually. Not only that, but it leaves billions of dollars in damages and cripples economies for a long period of time.

Decades of progress can easily be wiped out within seconds.

You probably still remember the 9.1-magnitude earthquake in 2004 that killed more than 230,000 people across 14 countries and displaced almost 2 million people.

Another notable earthquake in recent history includes the one in Haiti, which claimed more than 200,000 lives.

In 2011, the costliest and largest earthquake hit Japan, which left the country in danger of a nuclear meltdown.

However, the deadliest earthquake in recorded history is the one that occurred in Shensi, China in 1556, which has caused about 830,000 deaths.

With all these mind-numbing numbers, many have asked the question:

“Why does God allow earthquakes?”

It’s a valid question and sadly, a lot of people don’t have the right answer.

A lot of people have questioned God’s love and mercy in the midst of natural calamities. Insurance companies even blame God calling it “Acts of God.”

As Christians, it is important that we know the answer to this question. It doesn’t only give us the right perspective and strengthen our faith, but it helps us bring comfort to the lives of those affected.

Thus, I strongly believe that we must answer the question, “Why does God allow earthquakes?”

In this post, let me share with you 7 reasons.

Why does a Loving God allow Deadly ...
Why does a Loving God allow Deadly Earthquakes?

Blog in a glance:

7 reasons why God allows earthquakes:

  1. Earthquakes are essential to life
  2. Earthquakes are a consequence of sin
  3. Earthquakes remind us this world is temporary
  4. Earthquakes bring us closer to God
  5. Earthquakes bring us closer to each other
  6. Earthquakes help us build godly character
  7. God wants us to appreciate what He is offering

Reason no. 1: Earthquakes are essential to life

Earthquakes are the result of the moving of tectonic plates and the earth’s crust. It is the result of the natural laws that God has set in the universe to govern our physical existence.

While it is true that earthquakes can be destructive, they are actually essential to life. It was through earthquakes and volcanoes that new land was created and raised. Earthquakes help renew the soil.

It was because of earthquakes that we have continents, islands, and beaches. Scientists have concluded that earthquakes and resulting tsunamis have given birth to new habitats for animals and plants, not just on land, but also in the seas.

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Reason no. 2: Earthquakes are a consequence of sin

God created this world in perfect condition. Earthquakes and other natural calamities were never part of God’s original design. In fact, when God had finished creating this world, He pronounced it to be good.

The problem started when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin came into the world. We read the result in Genesis 3:17-18:

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.”

You see, God has given us free will. However, we have abused that gift.

Adam and Eve used their free will to rebel against God. In effect, we have brought suffering, pain, and death in our lives.

Sin brings forth death and part of the negative effects of sin are the natural calamities. Sin has effects not just in our lives but also on this planet that we live in.

To make things worse, Satan is currently the god of this world (II Corinthians 4:4). He has nothing in mind but the destruction of the human race. For this reason, we see a lot of suffering in this world.

[You might be interested in reading, “Top 20 Surprising Biblical Facts about Satan You Need to Know!”]

Reason no. 3: Earthquakes remind us this world is temporary

Earthquakes are highly notable for destroying houses, buildings, structures, vehicles, and other properties. It only shows us how temporary things can be.

One day you own a lot of properties, the next day, they all have been wiped out if not by earthquakes, but by tsunamis.

This reminds us brethren that nothing in this world is permanent and that includes our lives. They are all temporary. God is showing us that this isn’t our home yet, but there is something way better that is coming in the future.

The problem with us humans is that we sometimes interchange things. We thought what’s temporary is the permanent and the permanent as temporary.

We thought that our houses, cars, and physical possessions will last forever. However, earthquakes come and destroy them. It gives us the proper perspective that we must not rely on the things that we own.

Yahshua (Jesus Christ) said in Matthew 19:16-21:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust [and earthquakes] destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Since this world is just temporary, Yahshua is telling us to lay up treasures in heaven instead of where earthquakes won’t be able to destroy. That’s the real and best investment you can actually have in this life.

Earthquakes also serve as a reminder that our lives are limited and that at anytime, we can die. Because of this very fact, we must constantly be close to God, so that when we are taken, we will be ready to meet our Creator.

Reason no. 4: Earthquakes bring us closer to God

It is true that some people question God during natural calamities. Some even lose faith.

However, it is a choice we have to make. It is up to us to see the good in the bad and still worship God in the midst of our trials.

When Job lost his children and properties in just one day, his response was amazing.

He said in Job 1:20:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Instead of running away from God, Job chose to stay closer. We must also have the same attitude, brethren.

We have seen how so many people became more prayerful during their hour of trial. We have also seen churches filled with people after tragedies.

Sometimes, God can use earthquakes to WAKE US UP from our deep spiritual slumber. It is a way for God to get our attention and reconsider the path we are taking, whether it is still according to God’s will or not.

God is also showing us that there’s no place here on earth that’s really safe. Anything can happen.

Life is unpredictable. One moment you are alive and the next, you are in your grave. In Psalm 46:1-3, we read:

Psalm 46:1-3 declares:

​ God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

If you read these verses, it could refer to earthquakes and tsunamis. Though these natural disasters happen, we must not be afraid.

Why?

Because YAHWEH is our refuge and strength.

Earthquakes give us the opportunity to trust God. It gives us the opportunity to become more faithful and dependent on the Almighty.

There’s no better protection in this world than the protection God is giving us. This, too, should bring us, even more, closer to God.

[Psalm 91 gives you a better perspective of God’s protection. Read, “20 Most Surprising Lessons from Psalm 91 You Probably Never Heard Of.”]

Reason no. 5: Earthquakes bring us closer to each other

After natural calamities such as earthquakes, we see the selfless attitude of people and the willingness to help. Relief goods, rescue, and help start to pour in.

It is a living testament that humans still have good in their hearts and when it is time to help one another, they are there ready to make a difference.

You probably have seen how one community has been destroyed by earthquakes and helped by others. Help comes not just from within the region, but sometimes, it comes even from other countries.

Earthquakes force us to go out of our comfort zone and reach out to other people. These things don’t normally happen unless a natural calamity happens.

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Reason no. 6: Earthquakes help us build godly character

Sometimes, God puts more importance on our godly character rather than our comfort. This life is our training ground.

God is preparing us for a greater role in the future – to be kings and priests in His Kingdom (Revelation 1:6).

Our main goal in this life is not to accumulate physical wealth. It is not to become the best in our class or the best in our job. Though it’s great to achieve those things, they should NOT hinder you from achieving your ultimate goal in life – to be part of God’s Kingdom!

The Apostle Peter explains how trials can strengthen our faith in I Peter 1:7:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

Peter is telling us that even when we are struck by earthquakes, natural calamities, and “various trials,” we need not worry, but rather we must greatly rejoice because it will help us grow spiritually and build the godly character God wants us to build.

Reason no. 7: God wants us to appreciate what He is offering

We live in a dying world. There is much chaos and mess all around us. Our society is morally decaying – calling evil good and good evil.

God has allowed human beings to make their own choices. Today, God does not always intervene, but He wants us to know what the world is like when we live in it apart from Him.

Now, with the death of His Son and the sacrifice, He has made salvation available to all mankind. When we believe in God, accept Him as our Father, and follow His will in our lives, we are going to be part of His Kingdom.

God is offering something that this world can’t offer. He is giving us a chance of being part of His Family and reign with Him in His Kingdom.

At that time, there will be no more earthquakes. No more natural disasters. No more pain. No more suffering. No more death.

In that time, Revelation 21:4 will be fulfilled:

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

Thus, there’s should be no doubt and skepticism in your mind when you read the words of Paul in Romans 8:18:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are NOT worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

You see brethren, no matter what you are going through right now, your suffering would pale in comparison when you look into the glory that God has prepared for us.

We have an eternity of comfort waiting for us if we will be saved. What are a few years or moments of suffering compared to everlasting life?

Indeed, a moment of pain leads to an eternity of glory if we don’t fail.

Final words

These are just some of the reason why God allow earthquakes and by extension, suffering. If someone asks you, “Why does God allow earthquakes?”, I hope you now have a better answer.

If you have other answers to this question, feel free to drop a comment below! 🙂

P.S. Do you want to discover the extraordinary power of God’s word? If yes, feel free to check out my eBook, “The Power of His Word.”

2 thoughts on “7 Reasons Why God Allow Earthquakes

  1. With the current earthquake that happened in turkey, which has led to more than 20,000 deaths, many of which were children. I want to know why God would allow for innocent lives to suffer, be crushed, then perish. I don’t want to hold resentment because I know God has reasons for everything but it hurts my heart knowing some of them suffered.

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