Why Do We Blame God in Disaster But Forget Him on Holiday?

Romans 8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

When floods sweep through Texas… when earthquakes flatten homes… when wars break out… we hear the same cry:

“If there’s a God, how could He let this happen?”

But here’s what I’ve noticed: We don’t ask the opposite when we’re lying on a beach on vacation. Or watching our children laugh around the dinner table. We don’t stop and say:

“If there’s a God, why does He allow so much beauty?”

Why is that?

God in the Hard Times And The Good

When disaster strikes, it feels personal. Our illusion of control shatters. And deep inside, we sense: “This shouldn’t be happening.”

But in the good days, when life flows with ease, we rarely feel that same urgency to wrestle with God.

We take credit for the good or assume it’s just “how life is.”

C.S. Lewis wrote:

“We regard heaven as our home and life’s hardships as interruptions. But what if it’s the other way around?”

What if the joys—love, beauty, peace—are glimpses of how God meant the world to be?

And the disasters are the cracks in a system that has been broken since Eden?

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Here’s what we know:

God Does Not Delight in Suffering

When Jesus walked the earth, He healed the lame, opened the eyes of the blind, and calmed storms. Not once did He give someone a disease or unleash a disaster.

This world is broken. Disasters remind us of that.

But God hasn’t left us alone in the wreckage. In Jesus, God stepped into suffering Himself. He knows loss. He knows pain.

He promises to stay close and one day wipe away every tear.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Why Doesn’t God Stop It?

If God stopped every disaster, He’d also have to take away:

• free will

• natural processes

• and the reality of living in a fallen world.

God’s goal isn’t a quick fix, like a wheelchair instead of walking. He promises total renewal—life so whole we’ll run and never grow weary.

The cross and resurrection are the first steps in that renewal.

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” – Romans 8:22

The Real Question

The real question isn’t “Why do bad things happen?” It’s this:

Why does God, who could destroy humanity after the Fall, instead choose to suffer with us—and for us—on the cross?

Moreover, God is preparing a world without disasters. And He calls everyone to come to Him to be part of it.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” – Revelation 21:4

Maybe the Better Question Is:

Instead of only asking, “Why does God allow bad things?” What if we also asked: “Why does God allow so many good things?”

• The laughter of a child.

• The comfort of a friend.

• The healing after loss.

• The sunrise after the storm.

Perhaps this is why Paul wrote:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Final Thought

Disasters make us stop and ask the forever question: “If there’s a God, how could He let this happen?” But don’t stop there.

Keep asking until you find the God who suffered with you, and will one day make all things new.

A Prayer for Today

Lord,

When I see suffering, I confess I don’t understand.

But I trust You are not far away.

You stepped into this broken world.

You took on pain and death to bring us back to life.

Give me more faith.

Help me see both the good and the hard as reminders of You.

Keep me close until the day You wipe away every tear.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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