The very real God of the Bible is certainly hearing the literal "groans" of the suffering people of Southeast Asia. As they—and we—are deeply humbled by the awesome forces of creation that God has set in motion, we will begin to realize that human life apart from the true God is futile. This may seem "cruel" or "unfair" to those who lack understanding of the awesome power and glory that God has in mind for those who truly serve and obey Him. But it is often the only way human beings are willing and able to learn.