When God sends a catastrophic event among His people

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people… (2 Chron. 7:13 NIV) 

Often we don’t understand

It’s hard to believe that God would send a catastrophic event among His people, but the above passage clearly says so. And often we don’t understand why. But God is God and we’re not, and He has good reasons that are above our limited understanding. We don’t know what God knows. Even so, He tells His people what they must do when it happens. One of the most quoted passages of Scripture is actually the rest of the above passage, which is often left off. 

“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14 NIV)

The answer is clearly given 

Notice that the answer is directed to God’s own people:  “my people, who are called by my name.” And they are clearly told what to do: “humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways.” Then, God says, “if” they do this: “then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 

Therefore…

The above is a very clear message to Gods own people. And, “if” they do as He directs, He will answer in the positive way He said. On the other hand, if they do not do what He said, the answer may be quite the opposite.

“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” (1 Peter 3:10:13 NIV)

Quotes:

“Revival is a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one's will to God in deep humility.” - Charles Grandison Finney

“The whole duty of man is summed up in obedience to God's will.” - George Washington