TRAGEDIES

When a close friend experiences a tragedy, we’re empathetic for his personal loss, and we, too are grieved.

Sorrow often brings on more sorrow. Trying to understand WHY this dreadful loss happened causes more grief because we can’t figure out WHY. Who can understand Almighty God, the Sovereign Creator of the universe? WHY are young mothers taken away? WHY do innocent babies die, or young families killed by drunk drivers?

The pain of grief is real, but so is the peace that comes from God as we call on Him for strength. Clinging to Jesus and trusting Him one day at a time is the only way to get through this. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) “Pour out your heart to the Lord, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)

In Africa when a child died before I could reach him, I had to keep treating other sick children and adults. All the time I was praying for strength to get through that long day and to help bury the child. So much grief and sorrow.

“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) The Holy Spirit is our Comforter with power to “comfort all that mourn” (Isaiah 61:2).

Pray for the pastors and missionaries who minister to the grieving, for they grieve, too.