I found out just a few days ago that a mentor and dearly loved father figure in my life died. He was driving a van to a youth retreat when a tire blew throwing the van off course and killing him, another youth leader, a teenager, and seriously injuring many others. How do you take this news? I’m sitting in a coffee shop in Thailand. I’m surrounded by people who would think I was crazy if I burst into tears. I can only imagine the effect this news has had on my close friends and family back home. And I can only wish that I was there with them during this time.
It’s tough to find the balance of understanding the perfect will of God in these situations and questioning him. But let’s be honest, the questions are there. “Jesus I don’t understand!!?!” “These people have families!?!” “God it couldn’t have been their time.” We are naturally confused, hurt, angry, scared, and heartbroken. Another impulse is to think back on the past and try to find a solution to how we could have prevented this tragedy.
I read a quote from Max Lucado. “Don’t face death without facing God. Don’t even speak of death without speaking to God. He and he alone can guide you through the valley. Others may speculate or aspire, but only God knows the way to get you home. And only God is committed to getting you there safely.”
There is so much we can dwell on. It’s part if the grieving process and its healthy. We need to confront the confusion in our heads otherwise there can be consequences in the future.
When I don’t understand, I always come back to the one stable thing in my life. In a world full of uncertainties and confusion, Jesus is that one constant factor. He never changes. His unfailing love, grace in our failures and hope of eternity with him are promised. Never once have I had reason to doubt this in my life.
Life is full of ups, downs, and even abrupt stops. If I didn’t know this before, this past eight months of travel and adventure has made this blatantly clear. I have to keep my head in check and my heart in line. Jesus never promised us an easy road to walk in life. Sometimes I wish he was more clear in explaining what this really looks like. Surprises are not always welcomed. But Jesus himself proved that we can make it to the other side.
Friends and family back home, I am fighting with you in prayer. Don’t allow the enemy to capture your thoughts during these dark days. Lean on the one who wants to hold you close.
