Tornadoes and the Trustworthiness of God

This sermon by David Platt, pastor of The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, is a good model of how basic biblical doctrine can and should inform our response to tragedy and equip us to trust in God’s good purposes.

Specifically, he explains how the tornadoes that recently ravaged their area can remind us of biblical truth.
Here is an outline provided by Justin Taylor on his blog:

These tornadoes remind us that this world is unpredictable.

• Suffering is usually surprising.
• Life is never safe.
• Death is unavoidably sure.

These tornadoes remind us of the penalty of sin which plagues all of us.

• Our sin is universal.
• Our suffering is inevitable.

These tornadoes remind us to repent and be reconciled to God.

• Turn from sin.
• Trust in Him.

These tornadoes remind us of the sovereignty of our God.
The sovereignty of God is the only foundation for worship in the midst of tragedy.

• God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control.

God is with us.

God is for us.

• God’s sovereignty reminds us that Satan has been conquered.
• God’s sovereignty guarantees us that one day suffering will conclude.

Ultimately, tragedy on earth can only be understood rightly from the perspective of heaven.
These tornadoes remind us of the urgency of our mission.

• Life is fleeting.
• People are perishing.
• Eternity is coming.