God's Message Even In Tragedy

It has been said that, "God brings men into deep waters not to drown them but to cleanse them."

Why does God allow tragedy in this world? Is it possible that He is trying to tell us something? Is there a message from God to be found somewhere in tragedy?

There are many things about this world that make it a place where tragedy might happen at any time. We know that God gave us freedom of choice. Unfortunately, in many instances this can lead to human selfishness. In this case, it is possible that our very own decisions can either lead to, or cause tragedy. Also, there is natural law. These are things in which we have no control over. An example might be being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It seems that far too much tragedy has been in the news lately for comfort. The recent earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, etc., have all captured our interest in recent weeks. In these terrible situations lives have been cut short; homes and families have been destroyed. The end result of this is that lives have been changed forever.

But out of all of this tragedy could it be possible that God is trying to tell us something? And if so, what might it be? There is the possibility that perhaps He is trying to warn us. After all, we tend to think that we can do whatever we please without suffering any consequences. If you doubt this, remember how Israel suffered repeatedly in the Old Testament for defying God's word? Then there is the motivation in tragedy. Sometimes this can hit us like a cold slap in the face. Tragedy can make us change direction very quickly, especially if our survival depends on it.

Certainly there is also remembrance in tragedy. Specific incidents such as 9/11 in the United States, or the recent earthquake and nuclear power plant disaster in Japan can persuade us to change what we do for the better.

Let's pause for a moment and think about what God is trying to tell us by allowing tragedy to happen? What point (or points) might He be trying to get across?

Life is fragile. It is like a vapor, or grass. We have no idea what tomorrow may bring. We cannot control the length of our days. See: James 4:14; 1 Peter 1:24; Proverbs 27:1; Luke 12:19, 20.

Our time for service to God is limited. Have you been using the talents and opportunities that God has given you. In other words, have you dealt faithfully with what the Lord has entrusted you? See: Matthew 25:14, 19, 20, 21.

Our time to deal with sin is limited. The Bible tells us that we must deal with sin. All have sinned. Sin separates us from God. There are terrible consequences for failing to deal with sin. The good news is that a plan for dealing with sin has been given to us. See: Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:2; Rev. 20:11-15; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 22:16.

There is a life to come in which there is no tragedy. Instead, there is victory. See: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; John 14: 1-3; Rev. 21: 1-7.

In conclusion, how we are affected by tragedy depends on us to some extent. But, are we hearing the message of God in the midst of all of this tragedy? That is what really matters in the end.

Let's pray.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
I believe that I shall see
the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Joan