Does it seem like there is tragedy happening all around us at an alarming rate? I do not know about you, but I personally have dealt with tragedy this past summer more than I would like to have in a life-time.
Myles Munroe a Bahamian evangelist said, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose.” There is a lot of truth in that statement, but I believe that the greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without faith.
There are unfortunately some Christians and even some preachers who teach that if we just trust God and do what is right, tragedy will never strike our lives. That is not the stories of others life that is in God’s Word. Job was an upright, God-fearing man who turned away from sin (Job 1:1). However, he suffered the death of his children, financial disaster, and painful medical problems. To make matters worse, his wife turned against him, and his friends told him he was to blame. Tragedy happens. The question is how will you deal with it?
When tragedy happens, it is easy to blame ourselves. We begin to wonder whether things would be different if only we had “done this better” or been “wiser about that.” We may think that God is punishing us for our sins. On the contrary, we need to remind ourselves that sorrow comes to the righteous and the wicked.
When tragedy strikes, we are rarely prepared for that “event”, but we can be empowered through faith to know that God is still in control. We cannot begin to understand the depth of God’s purposes in life or death, but we can know that He is with us and He will NEVER fail you.
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT)
Billy Graham said, “Grief can kill a person emotionally and physically. If not counteracted with God’s strength and power, our personal weakness may debilitate us.” As Christians, we’re not rescued from the contingencies of living in a fallen world. People all over the world suffer, including Christians. Sometimes people say, “Why would God allow this to happen to me?” It may be better to question, “Why wouldn’t He?”
Sudden and shocking events in our lives, in our marriages or families, local communities, or in another part of the world can shatter our sense of security and stability, which is why our security must be in Christ alone.
Tragedy can unfortunately be a life-changing event. One potential tragedy that can be avoided is spending this life and eternity without God. By placing your faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross as your Lord and Savior, means God is with you, even through tragedy. Without having faith in a God who loves us so much that He gave His Son to die for our sins on our behalf is a tragedy for not only now but for eternity. Jesus is not the bridge over troubled waters, but He wants to carry you through those waters if you trust Him.
