Danielle Finch reflects on the heartbreaking devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela while highlighting remarkable stories of faith emerging from the rubble. As Christians wrestle with the question of suffering, she reminds us that God’s presence and hope can still be found in the darkest of circumstances.
Two devastating earthquakes hit the country of Venezuela within moments of each other on Wednesday, 24th June. The second was a 7.5-magnitude quake, the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over 120 years. The nation’s capital, Caracas, and the region of La Guaira were the worst hit. Tens of thousands of people are still missing, and at least 1,450 people have died. Yet, even in desperation, our mighty God still provides hope for the suffering population of Venezuela.
It is probably one of the most frequently posed questions that Christians face: “Why would a good God allow such suffering?”
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When we see natural disasters such as the Venezuelan earthquakes, it can render us speechless and shake our own faith.
When we see natural disasters such as the Venezuelan earthquakes, it can render us speechless and shake our own faith. But we live in a fallen world, where creation itself is waiting to be redeemed. Jesus himself warned us of the things that must take place before his return: “…you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Matthew 24:6)
Yet, this knowledge doesn’t make the situation any less painful for those experiencing unimaginable grief as their lives have been ripped apart. Yet even in our pain, Almighty God meets us there. Psalm 34:18 tells us that, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
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Allow me a few moments of your time today to share with you how God has met with His people in Venezuela this week:
1. Dayana Patiño and her 18-day-old son were pulled alive from the rubble after their eighth-floor apartment collapsed in the quakes. She explained that she initially started to scream but realised no one was able to hear her and decided to preserve her energy. Her leg was trapped under concrete, but she said she found hope when she felt a Bible beneath her: “There began my journey of survival.” Praise God that He brings hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
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2. In an article written for Premier Christian News, Kelly Valencia shares the testimony of Pastor Carlos Arizmendi. The pastor escaped a collapsed church and rescued a young girl, but many of his congregation were still trapped. He said: “We have lost everything, but I know that my Redeemer lives and sustains us.”
Thank you, Lord, that even when everything and everyone we love here on earth is taken from us, we can trust that You are enough.
Open Doors, a charity which supports the persecuted church, has shared how the earthquakes have only added to the pressures already faced by the Venezuelan church.
3. Open Doors, a charity which supports the persecuted church, has shared how the earthquakes have only added to the pressures already faced by the Venezuelan church. Venezuela is a highly unstable country, with opposition to the regime often resulting in detention or intimidation. This makes it difficult for the church to speak out against injustice. There have also been reports of unequal access to humanitarian aid, with those perceived to be critical of the government (including the church) being purposely denied aid. Yet, even in the face of their own grief and the hostile and dangerous situation they find themselves in, believers are sharing what they have.
Lord, thank You for the believers in Venezuela, who continue to show Your love to their communities in the face of persecution and hardship. May we learn from their example.
Continued Prayer Points for Venezuela
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That those still trapped would be rescued urgently, and that God’s Spirit would guide and strengthen those who are searching for survivors.
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That medical supplies and other aid would reach those who need it most.
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That the God of all hope would strengthen believers and bring comfort to the entire nation as it begins the long journey of healing.
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