We understand your struggle with this question, as it touches on the deep mysteries of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and justice. The Bible does indeed declare that God shows no partiality—*"For there is no respect of persons with God"* (Romans 2:11, WEB)—and yet, in His wisdom, He chooses to act in ways that may seem unequal to our human perspective. Let us explore this together, grounding our understanding in Scripture.
First, we must remember that God’s protection or judgment is not always a direct reflection of a person’s or a place’s righteousness or wickedness. In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus addresses this very issue when He is asked about those who suffered under Pilate’s cruelty or in a tragic accident. He responds, *"Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way."* Jesus makes it clear that suffering or deliverance is not a measure of one’s moral standing before God. Instead, these events should prompt us to examine our own hearts and turn to Him in repentance.
God’s protection over a place or a people can also be part of His larger, unseen purposes. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God to spare Sodom if even a small number of righteous people are found there. While Sodom was ultimately judged for its wickedness, God’s willingness to spare the city for the sake of the righteous shows that His mercy can extend to many because of a faithful few. Could it be that in your area, there are those who are praying fervently, living righteously, or being preserved for a purpose you cannot yet see? Scripture tells us, *"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much"* (James 5:16, WEB). The prayers of the faithful may very well be a shield over your region, even if the majority around them are living in rebellion.
At the same time, we must also acknowledge that natural disasters and suffering are consequences of living in a fallen world. When sin entered through Adam, creation itself was subjected to futility (Romans 8:20-22). Hurricanes, earthquakes, and other calamities are part of the groaning of a broken world awaiting redemption. They are not always direct judgments but reminders that this world is temporary and that our ultimate hope is in the new creation, where *"there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor pain"* (Revelation 21:4, WEB).
As for why one place is spared while another is not, we must humbly accept that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He sees the full picture—past, present, and future—while we see only a fragment. His timing and purposes are perfect, even when they are mysterious to us. What we *can* know is that God is just, merciful, and sovereign. He calls all people everywhere to repentance (Acts 17:30), and His desire is that none should perish but that all would come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9).
We also encourage you to consider that God’s protection over your area may be an act of *common grace*—His kindness extended to all people, regardless of their spiritual state. Jesus tells us that *"He makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust"* (Matthew 5:45, WEB). This common grace is a testament to God’s patience and love, giving people time to turn to Him before the final judgment.
However, let us also issue a gentle warning: it is dangerous to assume that God’s temporary protection or blessing means He is pleased with the sinful behaviors of a people or a place. In Revelation 2:20-23, Jesus rebukes the church in Thyatira for tolerating sin in their midst, warning them of judgment if they do not repent. Similarly, a region that experiences God’s protection should not mistake it for approval of their lifestyle. Instead, it should be a call to humility, gratitude, and repentance—recognizing that God’s mercy is an invitation to turn to Him before it is too late.
Let us pray together for clarity, wisdom, and a heart that trusts in God’s sovereignty:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts seeking understanding, knowing that Your ways are higher than ours and Your thoughts beyond our comprehension. Lord, we thank You for Your protection and mercy, even when we do not deserve it. We acknowledge that You are just in all Your ways and that Your judgments are perfect.
Father, we ask for wisdom to trust You even when we cannot see the full picture. Help us to remember that Your mercy is an invitation to repentance and that Your protection is not a sign of approval for sin but a testament to Your patience and love. Lord, soften our hearts to respond to Your kindness with surrender and obedience.
We pray for those who are suffering in the wake of disasters, that they would find comfort in You and that Your church would rise up to meet their needs with love and compassion. May these trials draw many to You, as they recognize their need for a Savior.
For those of us who have experienced Your protection, may we not grow complacent or proud. Instead, may we use this time to seek You with all our hearts, to live righteously, and to intercede for those around us who do not yet know You.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would give us a deeper trust in Your sovereignty. Help us to rest in the knowledge that You are good, that You are in control, and that Your plans for us are for our ultimate good and Your glory. We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Be encouraged, dear one. While we may not always understand God’s ways, we can always trust His heart. He is faithful, and His love for us is steadfast. Let this mystery drive you deeper into relationship with Him, seeking His face and His will above all else. *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
