The questions we must first ask in relation to our question:
If scripture tells us that nature is cursed, should we expect disasters?
Is God really in control if He allows them to happen?
Can bad events bring about greater events?
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the weather and natural disasters, yet through scripture, we see floods, droughts, and storms are all caused by God’s hand—how could a loving God do this?
Nature is designed to demonstrate God’s own nature, which is both beautiful and judgmental, and through events such as the great flood, we see God using "natural" disasters to bring about judgement on the disobedient and sinful. As we all belong in that boat, we can all expect to be subject to justified judgement, whatever form that may take.
Many theologians emphasise that, despite God being sovereign, it could very plausibly be His submissive will that allows for such disasters to occur. This is supported in the Book of Job, where we see God allowing Satan to control elements of the weather to test the faith of Job. This very well could be the case today. Satan may be allowed to cause certain events, but only with God’s permission.
Another biblical account of a natural disaster is in the Book of Genesis through the story of Joseph, who is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, only to later save his brothers from a famine. One of the moral lessons from this story is best encapsulated by what Joseph tells his brothers:
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives – Gen 50:20
Disasters can, and have, brought about changes that we may or may not know about. A commonly seen outcome is the re-evaluation of the fragility of life, with many considering their need for a saviour, which in turn leads them to Christ.
Unseen changes can be equally powerful, but we just do not see them. More commonly known as the butterfly effect, a certain event can set in motion a series of events that have a potentially greater outcome. Just like in the Joseph story, it is very possible that God uses horrific and damaging events to bring about a greater good.
Conclusion
Man’s sin caused not only the human fall but also nature’s fall too; the scripture even states, "Cursed is the ground because of you". Because of this, we are to expect volatility and hostility from nature, yet we must remember that all these events are ultimately in God’s hands. Tragic events can happen, yet we mustn’t forget the trust we can have in God to turn tragedy into beauty.