Wednesday, Venezuela got rocked by two massive earthquakes—7.2 and 7.5—leaving at least 188 dead, thousands injured, and entire neighborhoods in rubble. Rescue teams are still digging through collapsed buildings, airports are shut down, and the country is in a full state of emergency.

So let’s talk about the question everyone asks when the ground moves: “Why would God allow this?”

I’ll be blunt: earthquakes aren’t “evil.” They’re part of how the planet works right now—tectonic plates shift, pressure releases, oceans move, rivers overflow. Nature isn’t broken; fallen humanity’s authority over it is.

According to the Bible, humanity originally had legal authority over creation. But when Adam bailed on God’s command, that authority transferred to someone else—“the ruler of this world,” Satan (see John 12:31).

Humanity handed over the keys, and the world has been groaning ever since.

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” – Romans 8:22-23

But here’s some good news; as believers today, we have authority in Jesus Christ and a restored spiritual connection with our Heavenly Father, so we can use that power and authority to mitigate and even overcome the consequences of those “natural disasters” which plague the world around us.

That’s not the end of the story, though. Jesus stepped in to reclaim what Adam lost. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18). The takeover has already begun—but the full restoration is still ahead.

The purchase price has been paid. The legal documents have been signed and notarized. We’re just waiting for the effective date on the bill of sale to arrive so that the new Owner can move in and start the renovation.

In the meantime, God isn’t ignoring the pain. He’s promised to rebuild everything. Revelation 21:4 says He will wipe every tear, end death, and make all things new. Not patched. All things completely restored to their original condition of perfection and glory.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

So when the earth shakes, don’t blame God. Blame the broken authority structure humanity created—and look to the One who’s already fixing it.

Pray, give, support relief efforts. Be part of the healing while we wait for the world God promised.