Picture this: Elijah, the prophet of God, has just done a big thing. Now Jezebel is out for blood, and he runs for his life forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. There he has a conversation with God, and we read this:
God is in charge of every event, every day. He uses them for his own good purposes. But He is not necessarily IN them. We must not use such things for guidance. Instead, we must listen for his "still, small voice."1Ki 19:11 And he [God] said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.1Ki 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?What does it mean, for us today?
So, when you hear of these things "...nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (Mat 24:7) do not be afraid or give up hope. Listen for God, and do what he says. He has promised he will not leave you.Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Then, when we have heard, we must do. I know, this is easier said than done. Nevertheless, it is true.