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“When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.” - James 1:13
He didn’t hear the alarm clock on his phone going off at 5:00 AM, but was awoken by the sun as it broke through the small window. His eyes were heavy that morning, having spent the night in the waiting room at the hospital close to the ICU where his wife and daughter were being treated. Both had been critically injured as victims in a robbery at the local gas station the day before, both struck by stray bullet fire. They were not expected to make it through the night, and as he rose and made his way to the nurses station, he discovered that indeed neither had regained consciousness and had both passed quietly.
Overcome by the emotion of losing the most important people in the world to him, he collapsed in a heap right there on the floor of the ICU. Several nurses and doctors came to his support as he convulsed with deep sobs. He couldn’t find the words and was completely lost in the midst of all of those around him. Only 24 hours earlier he was tickling his little girl and giving his wife a hug and a kiss goodbye as he left for work. How could his life have been turned upside down in a moment like this? Who should he call, what should he do now, why was this happening, where was God?
Tragedy strikes all of us at one point or another in our life. We can’t control it and often times, no most times, it is completely unclear as to the rhyme or reason for the events as they take place. We struggle with answers to basic questions as we look for closure and grieve the loss. In our human intellect, we want to rationalize the event, to understand and make sense of the reasons why. Most of us at some point will look to our heavenly Father for the explanation, because we can’t wrap our head around the cause or purpose of the situation. Even more so, most of us will look to blame God for the event, or for not stopping the event.
In multiple circumstances I have heard a grieving individual seeking answers from God and challenging God at the same time. “God, if you are all knowing and sovereign; why would you allow this to happen?” or “God, where is your miraculous healing?” Some even challenge their own life and recall their sinful nature, believing that their past actions have caused God to punish them in this way. In most of these situations there is no way for you or I to have the answers to these questions. It’s important to be there for them, comfort them and reassure them that God is a loving Father, not a vengeful enemy.
The one thing we can be sure of is that God gave His only Son, to suffer on a cross and die, then to be raised again on the third day, in order to save us from our inherent sinful life. In doing so, He washed away all sinful actions and redeemed us to live with Him in heaven one day. This act was sufficient for our salvation and demonstrated the unparalleled love that He has for us. The blood of Christ atoned for the sinful nature of humanity. God has no reason to punish us or to cause grief in our life based on our past sins. The trials that we face are nothing more than an opportunity to draw closer to God and build a stronger relationship with and reliance upon Him. He is our comforter, our strength and our peace. He is the one to turn to in times of pain, grief and uncertainty. The natural inclination is to turn away from Him and blame Him, which is precisely what the evil one wants you to do. When tragedy strikes, look to the heavens and realize that God is alive, He is with you and He will see you through the trials. He is our Abba Father – filled with only love, goodness and mercy; which He has prepared to pour out upon you if you want to receive it.
Overcome by the emotion of losing the most important people in the world to him, he collapsed in a heap right there on the floor of the ICU. Several nurses and doctors came to his support as he convulsed with deep sobs. He couldn’t find the words and was completely lost in the midst of all of those around him. Only 24 hours earlier he was tickling his little girl and giving his wife a hug and a kiss goodbye as he left for work. How could his life have been turned upside down in a moment like this? Who should he call, what should he do now, why was this happening, where was God?
Tragedy strikes all of us at one point or another in our life. We can’t control it and often times, no most times, it is completely unclear as to the rhyme or reason for the events as they take place. We struggle with answers to basic questions as we look for closure and grieve the loss. In our human intellect, we want to rationalize the event, to understand and make sense of the reasons why. Most of us at some point will look to our heavenly Father for the explanation, because we can’t wrap our head around the cause or purpose of the situation. Even more so, most of us will look to blame God for the event, or for not stopping the event.
In multiple circumstances I have heard a grieving individual seeking answers from God and challenging God at the same time. “God, if you are all knowing and sovereign; why would you allow this to happen?” or “God, where is your miraculous healing?” Some even challenge their own life and recall their sinful nature, believing that their past actions have caused God to punish them in this way. In most of these situations there is no way for you or I to have the answers to these questions. It’s important to be there for them, comfort them and reassure them that God is a loving Father, not a vengeful enemy.
The one thing we can be sure of is that God gave His only Son, to suffer on a cross and die, then to be raised again on the third day, in order to save us from our inherent sinful life. In doing so, He washed away all sinful actions and redeemed us to live with Him in heaven one day. This act was sufficient for our salvation and demonstrated the unparalleled love that He has for us. The blood of Christ atoned for the sinful nature of humanity. God has no reason to punish us or to cause grief in our life based on our past sins. The trials that we face are nothing more than an opportunity to draw closer to God and build a stronger relationship with and reliance upon Him. He is our comforter, our strength and our peace. He is the one to turn to in times of pain, grief and uncertainty. The natural inclination is to turn away from Him and blame Him, which is precisely what the evil one wants you to do. When tragedy strikes, look to the heavens and realize that God is alive, He is with you and He will see you through the trials. He is our Abba Father – filled with only love, goodness and mercy; which He has prepared to pour out upon you if you want to receive it.
If you are grieving today, and are faced with trials; take it to the Lord right now. Lay out your worries, concerns, anger and fears. Let His peace and grace wash over you so that you may know you are loved. Do not lose focus of the eternal as you struggle to see through the temporary obstacles of the day.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
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