Question: What does the Bible say about calamity?

I received a question regarding the calamity in Haiti, as to what the Bible says about God's involvement in such matters. The questioner referenced an article in the New York Times by James Wood who takes on the theology of Pat Robertson, comparing it to that of Barack Obama, and what the writer considers historical record. We'll get the politics and theology out of the way in this paragraph, then go to the Bible where this blog belongs. In summary, Pat Robertson made a recent statement that indicated that God was involved in the destruction in Haiti. That, of course, created a good deal of angry rebuttal. In regards to the writer of the NY Times article, I read this and marveled at the brilliant intelligence of the piece, but concluded that the writer has no sense whatsoever, even though he feels that he is quite cerebral! 1 Corinthians 1:20 says, "Where is the disputer of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of this world?" If I understand James Wood's position, this quote describes him well.

Now to the point. It is true that throughout the Bible, we see that many times God used natural calamity to effect His will. This happened so much that I won't try to cite specific cases except to mention the flood, where He was so upset with people that He flooded the whole world. But I think it is safe to say that He didn't always do that. It seems that plenty of things happened throughout history that God didn't direct, they just happened naturally. Note this:

Luke 13:4 "....those eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem. I tell you, 'no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.'" Jesus was pointing out that this calamity just happened and had nothing to do with sin.

Matthew 5:45 "....He makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." This is taken out of context. He is talking about loving all people just as God loves all people.

In conclusion, I agree with the questioner when he said, "There are things in our lives that we will not be able to understand until we get to heaven. Not everything that happens in our lives is simply a battle between God and Satan and the free will of man." Not one of us has the answers to these kind of questions. We will know the answers in heaven. In the meantime, we should heed the warning of Jesus, "..unless you repent you will all likewise perish." The real calamity is if we miss heaven. Let's do His will.....and go there!