God’s Love in the Midst of Tragedy: A Bold Stand on California Fires and Hollywood

The fires that ravaged California have drawn a complex mix of responses. From the wealthy enclaves of Malibu to the iconic Pacific Palisades, the devastation has been overwhelming. The fires have not spared even the homes of celebrities like Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and John Goodman. Yet, in the face of such destruction, the bold and unwavering voice of Evangelist Franklin Graham resounds with a powerful message: This is not God’s judgment on Hollywood.

In an exclusive conversation with Premier, Franklin Graham, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, boldly addresses the questions swirling around the devastating fires. With the loss of at least 11 lives and tens of thousands displaced, many are looking for meaning amid the tragedy. But Graham’s response is clear: “It’s not God’s judgment.” He refuses to buy into the narrative that God’s wrath has been poured out upon the material culture of Hollywood. Instead, Graham shifts the conversation to what really matters—God’s eternal love for His creation, especially in times of crisis.

The fires, Graham argues, are part of life’s storms—storms that we all face, whether personal, natural, or societal. He notes, “I think we have these storms in life, and because we have TV, and because we have social media, and every iPhone now is a broadcast-quality video camera, we see a lot more today than we did 20 years ago or 40 years ago. And so whether the fires are worse today than 100 years ago, I don’t know, but we see it, and it’s all around us.”

The technology that connects us to the suffering of others doesn’t make the storms any worse, it just amplifies our awareness of them. And, as Graham aptly points out, storms will continue to come. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.” However, in these uncertain and painful moments, the faithful need not despair. Graham’s message is crystal clear: the most important thing Christians can do is reassure those suffering of God’s love. “When storms like this come, it’s not God’s judgment,” Graham emphasizes. “We know that God loves us.”

In these troubling times, many might wonder, “Could God be judging Hollywood?” Graham’s response is direct: “I don’t know, but I don’t think so.” He refuses to speculate on God’s intentions, recognizing that God’s ways are beyond human comprehension. Instead, he focuses on the eternal truth that is certain—the call for each person to be ready for their encounter with God. In the midst of loss and tragedy, the true question is: Do we know the Lord Jesus Christ?

As homes and livelihoods are swept away by fire, Graham redirects the conversation to matters of eternal significance. In the face of calamity, he urges every person to ask themselves: If we were to stand before God today, would we be ready? For Graham, the message is timeless and clear: the only way to know for certain that we are prepared to meet God is through faith in Jesus Christ. “The only way we can be sure is by confessing our sins and asking for His forgiveness and by faith, believing on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

It’s a bold declaration in the midst of overwhelming tragedy. While the world scrambles for answers and tries to assign blame, Graham stands firm in his faith, calling everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to the unwavering truth of God’s grace and salvation. “If we’re willing to believe that, just accept that by faith and ask Christ into our hearts, then God will forgive our sins.”

In the middle of California’s nightmare, Graham’s words offer hope and peace to the broken-hearted. His teams of chaplains, trained by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and Samaritan’s Purse, are not just offering physical aid—they are also addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of the victims. Whether it’s offering prayer or a simple word of encouragement, these chaplains are bringing light into the darkest of places.

Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT, put it succinctly: “The images coming out of California look like scenes out of a Hollywood movie – yet they show the real-life horror that the people of the Los Angeles area are experiencing today.” And in the face of this real-life devastation, the church is standing strong, reminding everyone that while the fires may burn and the winds may rage, God’s love is unshakable.

As the flames continue to burn, let us remember the words of Franklin Graham: The most important thing we can do in times like these is not to look for signs of God’s judgment but to reaffirm His love for us. Whether in moments of comfort or crisis, God is faithful. And He is calling us, through the chaos of this world, to trust in Him—now and always.

In the end, no matter what storms we face, we can be assured that if we have Christ, we are prepared for anything.