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We live in what has been called `a world with ragged edges'. Earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, famine and other natural disasters kill millions of people and injure countless others, sometimes wiping out huge numbers within a few hours. Yet the Bible claims that God is in sole and sovereign control of everything that happens in the entire universe, that he `works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will' and that he is `compassionate and gracious' and `abounding in love'. Is there any way in which all of this can hold together? The answer may surprise you...