One side note: Proythress is one smart dude; however, he is wrong about where Hurricane Katrina landed and what casued the damage to New Orleans. I doubt I'll ever have another opportunity to correct him, but I digress.
I found this comment of his particularly poignant.
In particular, every disaster is a forerunner of the Last Judgment. It should be used as an occasion to reflect on the transitory character of this life (1 Cor. 7:31), on the fact that God gives us blessings that we do not deserve (Matt. 5:45), and that if we are rebels against him we ourselves deserve the worst of what the victims experienced.
That's good stuff. Our culture (the broader culture as well as church culture) makes every effort to avoid suffering at all costs. Our prayers are laced with pleas for safety, not from the snares of the evil one but safety from suffering or even safety from discomfort. I know I'm guilty.
As Christians, we're called to look at suffering differently, as a blessing. The judgement of God for his people is often loving discipline. His blessings are not always pleasant. He judges, he disciplines, he blesses.
1 Peter 4: 12-13
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Romans 8: 16-17
16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
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