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The events of Columbine, Virginia Tech and many other tragic examples highlight times in people’s lives when they deal with tragedy. In the two cases mentioned, it is sons and daughters cut down even before they reached the prime of life. It is pain that is visceral, gut wrenching, surreal almost, where one desperately attempts to wake up from a nightmare that hurts and hurts.
So where was the Lord in this? Where He always is—an ever present help in times of trouble. The devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy—things have not changed since his rebellion. What does an affected family do in this case? Well, definitely not run away from the Lord as many do, but run even faster to Him, to seek His encouragement and comfort. To thank Him that even in darkness, light dawns for the upright and that your saved loved one is walking with Jesus on the streets of gold.
God is a restorer of ruins and will restore hope, faith, and peace that the enemy of our souls would steal. Finally, for those believers on the outside looking in to tragedy, forget wise words and pontifications. Don’t be like Job’s comforters. Sit with the one in pain and be quiet. Spend time on your knees on their behalf. And then let us redouble our time and intensity in intercession, to stop many more of the enemy’s schemes and plans dead in their tracks.
Isaiah 57:1-2 (NLT)
“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.”
Dear David,
Thank you for your email and your very poignant scripture. Yes, godly people often die before their time. But thank God that in the same breath He promises that by Jesus wounds, we are healed and that with long life He satisfies us. In my mind, there is no conflict at all. Some of this is a mystery, but the Holy Spirit makes it clear.
I have often met godly people whose desire to go and be with the Lord is greater than their desire to stay and be with us. I assure you that even if you were not sick and you experienced just a glimpse of His glory, you will want no further part of this world, regardless of how many loving family members you would leave behind.
Blessings to you, brother…