Darlene C.

Pentiano My Journal NSTP-7029

A natural disaster is an unforeseen occurrence of an event that causes harm to society. There are
many natural disasters that damage the environment and the people living in it. Some of them
are earthquakes, cyclones, floods, tsunami, landslides, volcanic eruption, and avalanches. The following
are the definition and causes of some natural disaster. An earthquake is the shaking or vibrating of the
earth. As a result, some are so weak that they go unnoticed but some are so strong that they can even
destroy the whole city. However, the center of an earthquake falls mostly offshore. Next, landslide is the
moving of big boulders of rocks or debris down a slope. As a result, landslides occur on mountains and hilly
areas. Moreover, it can cause destruction to man-made things in many ways. And lastly, tsunami is the
production of very high waves in oceans and seas. The displacement of the ground causes these high
waves. It can cause floods if it occurs near shores and can consist of multiple waves.
The Philippines by virtue of its geographic circumstances is highly prone to natural disasters,
making it one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Given this situation, we need to be
always prepared. The goal of disaster preparedness is to lessen the impact of disasters on vulnerable
populations, to ready an organization for an influx of activity, and to design a coordinated plan that
reduces the waste of resources, time, and efforts. Disaster preparedness has the potential to save the
maximum number of lives and property during a disaster and it aims to return the affected populations
to normalcy as quickly as possible. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany
disasters. Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of a fire and
where to seek shelter during a tornado. We should be ready to evacuate our homes and take refuge in
public shelters and know how to care for our basic medical needs.
Nature has various manifestations both gentle as well as aggressive. We see how sometimes it is
so calm while the other times it becomes fierce. The calm side is loved by everyone, of course, however,
when the ferocious side is shown, devastation happens. As humans cannot control everything, certain
things of nature are out of our control. Disasters help us to remember the sobering truth that our lives
are ever-so-brief. Our bodies are delicate, fragile, and constantly vulnerable to the unpredictable and
menacing perils we face every day (Isa. 40:6–8; James 4:14). And that reminder should lead us to
God’s Word for guidance. In Ephesians 2:11–12, Paul instructed the Gentile believers to remember
that they were once separated from Christ. Now united with Him by grace, we can’t help but be
reminded of those who are not. Disasters give us frightening clarity that countless men, women, and
children, created in the image and likeness of God, quietly and obscurely head into eternal judgment
without the covering of Jesus Christ applied to their lives.
In every disaster, I know that we are suffering. Suffering is universal. All creation suffers
(Romans 8:22). And in our interconnected world, we know about suffering all over the world. If
we have compassion for those we see, we suffer with them. We ask in desperation, “If God is
good, why do I suffer? If God is all-powerful, why doesn’t he deliver me?” We find it difficult to
reconcile the fact of our suffering with our faith in God. Some Christians teach that followers of
Christ should not suffer or get sick. But Christians do get sick. Christ’s redemption on the cross
does not mean we will not suffer, but it equips us to face suffering. One day God “will wipe every
tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation
21:3-7). In our suffering, believers have hope because we know that suffering is brief and our
blessings in heaven are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Times of disaster bring uncertainty and fear. They can test us and stretch us beyond our own
limits of possibility. And yet, these times—personal or collective—can also reveal a resiliency and
strength unknown. When you are facing a new kind of trying time, keep these promises from Scripture
close by for encouragement, reassurance and hope for the days ahead. As the Word of God in Psalm
46:1-2 says, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Thus, in times of disaster, it
is important for us to keep united, to help each other, and most importantly, to pray for every one
because prayer is the most powerful tool in every situation.