When the World Is on Fire, Let Your Faith Burn Brighter-A Response to Global Turmoil

The sheer magnitude of the fires in Los Angeles, California, and across the globe over the past two years has left many of us breathless. Their intensity is unprecedented; their destruction heart-wrenching. Add to that an explosion at a power plant in Fort Worth, train derailments, and a seemingly endless cascade of chaos—this world feels more unhinged than ever before. And do we know the cause behind all of these events? No. Most of them remain mysteries. Yet here we are, standing in the storm of uncertainty, clinging to faith and searching for answers.

But none of this is surprising to God. Scripture foretold that chaos and destruction would come in the last days, serving as signs of the times. The Bible reminds us: Luke 21:11: “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”The upheavals we’re witnessing echo these “fearful events” Jesus spoke of, pointing to His soon return.

Matthew 24:6-7: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” We are living in a time where calamity is no longer an anomaly but the norm.

2 Timothy 3:1-3: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.”

Doesn’t this sound like the world we’re living in? The chaos we see externally mirrors the condition of the human heart.

And yet, while it’s natural to feel unsettled and sorrowful as we watch devastation unfold—be it fires, explosions, train derailments, or the tragedy in Hawaii and Asheville—our response must be grounded in compassion.

God doesn’t call us to analyze the motives behind the destruction or dwell on whether it’s judgment, malicious intent, or simply the effects of a broken world. He calls us to love.

God's Call to Compassion

Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When people lose their homes, livelihoods, or loved ones, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, stepping in with open hearts and resources.

Isaiah 58:7: “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”These tragedies are opportunities for the Church to rise, to shine a light in the darkness.

Even when we can’t make sense of the chaos, we are called to meet sorrow with solidarity.

While some may suspect sinister plots, evil schemes, or outright judgment, here’s the good news: None of it is unknown to God.

Proverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

He sees the unseen. He knows the intentions behind every disaster, every explosion, every act of destruction.

Psalm 37:7-9: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”

Our job isn’t to fret over hidden motives but to trust that God will deal with evil in His perfect time.

God’s Justice is Unshakable

If the chaos is from malicious hands, God will not let it go unchecked: Deuteronomy 32:35: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” If it’s judgment or a sign of the times, God is in control, and His purposes will prevail:

Isaiah 46:9-10: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”

The Purifying Power of Fire

As we witness the devastating fires raging across the world, it’s easy to focus only on the destruction they leave behind. Charred trees, scorched ground, and smoky skies paint a grim picture of loss. But nature reminds us of a deeper truth: fire purifies. In its wake, the land is cleansed of what hindered growth. Dormant seeds, waiting for just the right conditions, spring to life, and what was once desolation begins to bloom with vibrant, new beauty.

In much the same way, the fires we face in life—whether personal trials or the chaos we see around us—are often God’s tools for refining our hearts. Just as a forest fire clears away the old to make way for the new, God allows seasons of hardship to purify us, stripping away anything that hinders our growth in Him. “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver” (Malachi 3:3).

These fiery trials can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to see past the smoke of confusion, fear, or loss. Yet, God uses these moments to prepare our hearts for something greater. The pains we endure aren’t wasted; they’re cultivating the soil of our souls for fresh, beautiful growth. In the midst of the flames, He’s awakening seeds of faith, resilience, and trust that may have been dormant for years.

Perhaps you’re feeling the heat of a fire in your own life—a trial that feels unbearable or a season of chaos that seems to have no end. It’s tempting to think the fire will consume you, but take heart: God is with you in the flames. He’s not burning you to ashes; He’s refining you, clearing the way for new blessings and deeper faith. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Just as nature rebounds with new life after the fire, so will you. Trust the process, even when it’s hard to see beyond the destruction. The God who promises to bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3) is working in you, preparing your heart for the new growth that will come. In the end, what feels like loss today may be the very ground from which something extraordinary will bloom tomorrow.

What Should We Do?

Lift up those affected by these tragedies with heartfelt prayers, asking God to bring comfort to the grieving, provision to the needy, and hope to the hopeless. Prayer is not a last resort; it is the most powerful first step.  

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26). Even when words fail, trust that the Holy Spirit carries our prayers to the throne of God.

Open your heart and hands to those in need. Whether it’s sharing food, finances, shelter, or even your time, your generosity can be the lifeline someone desperately needs. Remember, your act of kindness could be the answer to a prayer they’ve been crying out for.  As you give, lean on this promise:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Amid the chaos, anchor yourself in God’s promises. Even when the world seems out of control, trust that His plan is still good.  Let faith, not fear, guide you. As Exodus 14:14 reminds us,

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Jesus reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence:

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26-27). 

Let the Spirit’s peace calm your heart and strengthen your faith. This world is not our home. We are looking forward to a day when there will be no more fires, no more tears, no more chaos.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

So while the flames rage, the earth trembles, and chaos seems to reign, let us not be consumed by fear. Instead, let us respond with faith, love, and a rock-solid assurance: God is on the throne. None of this escapes His notice. And He is, always has been, and always will be in control.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Word, which provides guidance and assurance even in the midst of chaos and destruction. Please calm my heart and the hearts of those reading this, helping us to trust in You completely, regardless of what we see or hear. Faith is not tied to what we perceive with our senses; it exists in a realm beyond them. Holy Spirit, teach us to surrender to faith and not to fear. In moments where we stumble, let Your strength cover our weakness.

Thank you for the precious blood of Jesus that protects us. Remind us daily to apply it over our lives and those we love. Thank You, Father, for the seal of God that marks and safeguards Your people. In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Amanda Allen, the author of Kingdom Revelations, holds the copyright to her works and art. Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2025. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source.