This is such a good, but difficult question to answer.  Over the years, there have been many tragedies that people have considered the judgment of God on particular people.  The AIDS epidemic, the 911 catastrophe, and the Covid epidemic are just a few of the recent ones.  Even insurance claims use the term, “Acts of God” to describe natural disasters as if He was to blame. Is He? Is it possible to know whether or not God is using a certain natural or health disaster to judge someone?

The Lord has certainly caused disasters in the past, even as warnings to His own people.  We read in 2 Chronicles 7:12-14, “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

We read in Genesis 13:13 and 19:24-25, “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly…Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”  This was an occasion where the Lord exercised great judgment against those who were wicked sinners.

In both of these cases, and others, the Lord clearly made known His intentions and reasons…He acted in a harsh way towards His people to teach them, and He acted against the wicked to punish them.  As we read of both incidents, there is no doubt as to why these tragedies occurred.  We read in Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” (I encourage you to read this entire chapter.)

Yet, we must be so slow to declare God’s judgment when we cannot know for sure if the tragedy is a direct result of God’s anger towards sin.  Sadly, California is known for its wildfires and earthquakes, yet it contains some of the most expensive land and people build some of the most expensive houses in the nation there, disregarding the potential catastrophes that are far too common there.

We can’t say for sure that the California fires are an act of God against the ungodly, but I do appreciate your commitment to pray for the Lord’s people involved.  I, also, am praying for them.  I suggest you also pray for those who are not saved.  May the Lord use this catastrophe to cause people to realize their need of Him and draw precious souls to Himself.  (CC)  (659.6)