Sufferings and natural disasters

Tonight at Power Tower, Pastor S talked about natural disasters and earthly sufferings. Especially relating to the point: "is God in control and ordaining it to happen?" We read a passage from Luke:

13:1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

In this section some Jews come to Jesus and tell Him about a disaster that had happened, that people offering sacrifices were ruthlessly murdered by pilate. They assume that they must have committed some sin and appear to be coming to Jesus to confirm this. They were probably shocked to find that instead of agreeing with them Jesus shows them their own pride and tells them twice what they didn't want to hear. They are proud that they hadn't sinned as badly as those that died. Clearly Jesus says that this is not the case, instead he points out that they will to die in the same manner if they do not repent. This isn't saying that if you are saved life will be easy and carefree. Then he goes and says it all again! Clearly the point of natural disasters are to point out, to people, how close they are to eternity and to make them start to think. Millions of people have died as a result of seemingly purposeless storms, earthquakes, and floods but I believe that millions have been saved forever as a result of these same disasters. "For God works all things together for good for those how love Him and are called according to His purpose" this might not mean that it will be for our good on earth but for the eternal good of others. Basically its a divine wake-up call.