Archive for the ‘Encouragement’ Category

Tragedy

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Psalm 50:15 “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me”

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It seems like this is one of those times in life where tragedy pops up all over the place. A good friend of mine’s Dad just passed away; I recently went to a benefit for another friend of mine’s Dad who had a bicycle accident and is now a quadriplegic. Everything from marital issues to health problems; they seem to be everywhere.

In the face of pain and fear we become increasingly aware of the urgency of life. We begin to realize—with great conviction—that the woes of day to day living are empty! Not even worth our time. Why on earth would we bother being upset about a parking ticket if our family is in the middle of a crisis?

It’s sometimes difficult to understand this revelation when you’re in the middle of it. Usually you’re only concerned with what God has put right in front of you—and rightfully so. I think that’s my point. When we have nothing to be distraught over, and we have no reason NOT to trust in God, we constantly occupy our minds with “methods.” How do I make God a part of my daily life? What Scripture can I read to encourage me with this or that? But when we are faced with tragedy we become acutely aware of the strength of God. There’s no longer any room for us to just focus on ourselves. Our deepest desires go from simply being happy and healthy to finding peace and comfort in order to get through the mess we’re in! The methods get thrown out the window. As hard as it may be to understand, this is a huge gift! For example, the lives of our loved ones don’t become urgent to us when they are nearing an end. They always are! But it’s through death that we begin to understand that urgency.

But the ability to identify what is truly urgent also has a way of revealing our fear, anger, and confusion—among other things. While this is true, it’s often the terrors of life that bring out the absolute best in people. In times of distress we often feel most loved because people tend to go out of their way to make sure that’s the case. I believe that is because we were made in the image of God, and this type of love is a great passion of His.

God is a God of restoration. The entire Bible is the story of God bringing his people back to Himself. Moses brings the Israelites from slavery to the Promised Land; the prodigal comes back home; Jesus defeats death and rises again!

We will see our loved ones again, we will be made perfect, and we will personally have a part in God’s plans to redeem the world. All by the Grace of God! The need for faith is urgent. It is literally all that God asks of us! Our faith is our Hope, and Jesus is our promise. We serve a good God.

When there is absolutely nothing to do but trust in God, trust in God. Hold on tight to Him, and he will do what he does best!

Revelation 21:5- “And he who sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold I make all things new.’”

1 Corinthians 2:9- “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”

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