Can God use pain, destruction, and death?

About a year ago the deadly tsunami struck Thailand and other areas. Many wondered at the time if it was God's judgment upon the predominantly Muslim area. Here is my question--could it be both God's judgment and His grace?

Example: In Thailand (which is mostly Buddhist) there were very few Christian churches prior to the tsunami. In fact, many areas had no church. As a result of Christian relief efforts, there are now many small churches.

So, could such destruction have been both an act of God's judgment and His grace? Perhaps so. Consider Psalm 98: This is a song of praise for God's salvation, strength, faithfulness, and strangely, His judgment. Thus, there is at least one passage that links grace (in this instance, salvation) and judgment.

But notice particularly verses 7-9 of Psalm 98:

"Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands, let the hills be joyful together before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth...."

It is quite interesting to me that there is a reference to the sea "roaring" coupled with salvation and judgment. Coincidence? What do you think?


P.S.

Phra Viroth Titaphoonyo, the abbot at Wat Laem Pom, a Buddhist temple in Thailand said this about the difference between Buddhism and Christianity:

"The way to help the people is totally different. If you are Buddhist, when the people jump in the water and ask for help a Buddhist teaches you how to swim. A Christian just gives them a hand and pulls them up."

Well, at least he understands what God does for people. His quote is a great paraphrase of Psalm 113:7:

"He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap."

Keep it up, Christians!