In the Face of Tragedy
“The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” – Psalm 145:9
“The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” – Psalm 145:9
Several years ago, our daughter and her family had a house fire that nearly destroyed all their earthly possessions. They escaped in their nightclothes because my husband and I went for an early morning walk and saw the smoke! It was not as great a tragedy as it could have been.
After the fire, we felt the love and prayers of the church family. In their concern, these dear friends spent hours helping with cleanup, digging through the sooty mess to salvage whatever could be saved. We appreciated the meals prepared every day, from the very first day. These precious people also shared in the meals; it was like a month-long celebration rather than a time for weeping! We could not have coped without them, and it brought us closer together as a church family.
Not long after that experience, two of the brothers in our church started having very serious health problems, including one who had a massive heart attack. Volumes of prayer were offered up to God on behalf of these two men, and impromptu prayer meetings were called when the need was particularly acute. We became more focused on the needs of others rather than ourselves. We missed these brothers when they were not among us and began to realize just how much we appreciated them and each other.
Sometimes when trials come or hard things happen, we may be tempted to question God. Why me, Lord? What did I do wrong that I am being punished? However, when we see the outcome of these circumstances, we may better understand their purpose. Out of every tragedy suffered by a child of God will come a great blessing, if we look for it. God does not allow suffering for no reason. He has a perfect plan, and will bring good out of whatever He allows to come our way.
There are no accidents with God. If you ever find yourself doubting God’s purpose in a situation, remind yourself of the words of today’s focus verse, “The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” It is hard to go through some of the trials of life, but be assured, God has a plan that is for your good, and He is able to bring you through victorious.