“Why God?” is what America is collectively asking today. Why is this happening? In times of suffering that we don’t understand it is easy to question God’s goodness. Why do bad things happen?
I’d like this blog to serve as a source of joy and encouragement for everyone who reads. But, it’s hard to feel encouraged in the shadow of senseless pain and tragedy – like the events that occurred in Orlando this past weekend. This one hit really close to home for me as it occurred in my home territory and the surviving victims are being treated at ORMC, where I spent about 3 weeks last year. I’m praying for all of the trauma doctors, surgeons and ICU nurses there to be encouraged and filled with the strength, wisdom and guidance of God as they treat these victims. I am also praying for the surviving victims and for the devastated families, friends and witnesses.
My immediate instinct is to get angry at the shooter, at ISIS, at this hatred, and to fear my own life and those of my loved ones, as terrorism is far too common today. I ask “why God?”. The Lord gives us free will because He loves us, but some people make really bad decisions with it and it makes me mad. In all of this pain we must place our trust and hope in God and draw near to him, knowing that He works all things (even tragedies) together for good. His heart breaks for the injustices that happen everyday and we know He is weeping for this senseless mass murder of His children. We must take this time to mourn, but remember that He is greater than fear or pain and He overcame death to give us life eternal if we accept it! He is going to come back and pain will be no more. And let’s also recognize that the shooter is now dealing with the wrath of our just God.
For those who need comfort:
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
For those who fear terrorism, violent acts of men, and death:
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39
For those who are angry:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
And for some encouragement for what is to come:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
We will mourn, but we will not fear. That’s what they want. Instead – we will defeat them with our courage and love. We cannot allow this to divide us. We must learn to love those we disagree with in order to grow together as a nation. Take this time to recognize your own mortality and to urgently pursue your faith, calling and to share the gospel. You never know how much time you (and the guy in the cubicle next to you) have on this earth. Don’t waste it.
Have a blessed day!
