What Does The Bible Say About Famine?
The Bible first mentioned the word “famine” in (Genesis 12:10 Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.). It was mentioned in the same passage that the famine was so severe that it compelled Abraham to move to another land—Egypt. It is also mentioned that the same famine had occurred in the days of Isaac, and it also caused him to move to Gerar (Genesis 26:6). Joseph had also experienced this famine, which struck Egypt and lasted for seven years (Genesis 47:13-27). The famine in Joseph’s time is considered to be the most terrifying one throughout the Bible. There was also a mention of a great famine in Acts 11:28 that was predicted by Agabus. The Bible tells us that famines are sent by God as an effect of His anger against sinful, guilty, and wicked people (Deuteronomy 28:22-42; 2 Kings 8:1-2; Jeremiah 14:15; 19:9; 42:17; Amos 8:11).
Famine was real in Biblical times, and it is still happening today in some areas of the world. Perhaps the most difficult part of being a Christian is providing an explanation as to why the problem of famine is still happening today. Our dictionaries tell us that famine is an extreme scarcity of food that is caused by several factors. As Christians, it is very important that we know how to defend our faith. Children of God are encouraged to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;).
God and Famine
As caring human beings, most of us wonder why a loving God allows famine to continue in the world that He created. This question is more than just philosophical; it is also an emotional one. How can Christians address the issue of famine? For us to be able to provide true answers to those who are asking, it is vital that we check what the Bible has to say about famine or any type of suffering. The Word of God contains all truths about life, and it is said that His Word is the truth (John 17:17Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ). Hardships and insufficiencies in life can happen, and the Bible is both honest and straightforward in providing us with real and accurate answers.
Let us take a look at the life of Job. Job suffered because the Almighty God contested with Satan. Job was sick, poor, grieving, and hungry, and he started to question God about the suffering that he was experiencing. Job confronted God about his sufferings, but he was put to silence. God spoke to Job out of the storm and enumerated His power and grace (Job 38, 39, 40). Job then said, “I am unworthy – how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer – twice, but I will say no more.” God then speaks again, “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?” The Lord continued to question Job and the ability of men to the point where Job said, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely, I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”
God Is in Control
The finite minds of Christians don’t know all the will and purposes of the Lord. Famine, like any other human experience, is in God’s control. We might not have concrete answers, but we trust in our sovereign God that whatever He does, it is just, righteous, and upright. Our hearts may break if we see a malnourished child or family due to famine but let us not think that we are better than the Lord and that we are more generous than He is. So, what is the purpose of famine?
It can either be to punish wickedness or it can be to help us Christians understand the importance of trusting God. Famine should remind us Christians that we are helpless if we do not have faith in the Lord. Famine should also touch our hearts to be able to consider the poor and those who hunger. By understanding the purpose of famine, we will be more motivated to share Christ throughout all nations. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has commanded us to give to the needy (Luke 12:33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.).
Hearts for the Hungry
Take note that famine or starvation validates the reality of God in our lives. God created Christians to spread the good news that He brings. Jesus Christ said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Our concern for those who are suffering from famine or hunger should help us feel the spiritual “lostness” of human beings. If our hearts are broken because of this temporal physical suffering, then will not our faith and theology drive us to reach out to them and give grace and love, just as Christ gave these things to us?
Believe it or not, our concern for famine and hunger creates witness opportunities. This should make the Gospel of Christ all more important. The Good News that we bring in Christ should help people obtain not only satisfaction but also salvation. As we provide food, love, and care to those who hunger, will they not think of what drove us to do such good deeds? This, then, becomes the right time to do evangelism and to share Jesus Christ with those who are weak, hungry, and tired. And according to the Bible, Jesus satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things (Psalm 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.).
