God’s plan to redeem the planet…

Did you know that God’s creation was perfect? No humidity, cold, extreme heat, sickness, disease, or pandemics existed. There were no earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, or monsoons. The Bible says that “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31, NIV)

Life was perfect in the Garden of Eden. If it were so perfect, why did Adam and Eve mess it up so much? They had total freedom in perfection, but they could not overcome the temptation to disobey the one rule from God: “‘but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.’” (Genesis 2:17, NIV)  

It seems insane that they couldn’t follow the one rule. Do you ever struggle with obedience and following the rules? I do. I believe we all struggle with our old nature, the emotional and psychological DNA we had before we surrendered to Jesus. Because of the fall, all of creation is cursed. That’s why there is sickness and disease. That’s why we struggle with old age and any other natural disasters.

I remember the day I experienced a natural disaster. It was terrifying and overwhelming. It happened in Florida near Fort Myers. My buddies and I were there for spring break. We pitched a tent and looked for parties and alcohol. One morning, we were rudely awakened by a flood that had been caused by a hurricane. The National Guard had to save us from sure death. It was terrifying.

Fallen creation can kill you, but it wasn’t planned this way. Disobedience caused the curse, but God wants to cancel the consequences of the fall. He’s redeemed us, but the full redemption of the Earth and our bodies is forthcoming: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)

God doesn’t cause natural disasters, sickness, or pandemics. He’s a good God, and I can assure you that His plans for you are always good. Creation is still flawed, but we can lean on a loving God to help us cope and overcome until He comes. 

Because you are a miracle.