Tragedy
Tragedy, it's a fact of life. That doesn't mean it's normal, pleasant, or even acceptable. It only means that it happens. But why? Why do bad things happen in this world? I can't tell you all how many times I've been asked that question - and how many times I've asked this question myself.
About 2 years or so ago, my wife and I suffered a miscarriage. Our child died in her womb. And even though it was early on in the pregnancy, we still felt as though we lost a child, because we did. My wife's mother just passed away this last Saturday. She was only 45. Bad things, terrible things happen in our lives. They do. It is painful. It isn't easy. Often times, it seems impossible to get through.
And the only thing I can say, and I don't mean to belittle any tragedy you or I or anyone has went through - is this: We live in a fallen world - a world that is drenched in sin & death. And even though God is in control (i'm confident he is), these terrible things still happen.
If you're reading this, and looking for an answer - I don't have one. I often wonder why God allows these terrible things to happen. But I know that he sees everything, and has a plan. I know that I can trust him. I know because his Word says so, and I believe it. I know that if I put Him first, he'll take care of everything. And I know that if I love him, he'll work ALL things out for good.
In the midst of tragedy, it often seems impossible to see God's hand. But keep looking. Keep praying. Keep serving, and keep loving Him.
Does that mean you shouldn't grieve? Not at all! You need to. I need to. We all need to. And it's ok to ask God those questions. "Why?" Why this, why that. But keep in mind, we may never know.
I may never know why God allowed our child to die before he was even born. But I do know that one day, I'll get to meet him, hold him, and kiss him. One day, in paradise, I'll get to be with him. And I know that until then, he's being taken care of.
The truth is, I still cry about that - and it was two years ago. But I know that God is in control. God sees the big picture, and he will never leave us or forsake us.
So, be strong - God strong. It's only by His strength that I can get through each and every day.
Blessings & Love,
Pastor Elgin
About 2 years or so ago, my wife and I suffered a miscarriage. Our child died in her womb. And even though it was early on in the pregnancy, we still felt as though we lost a child, because we did. My wife's mother just passed away this last Saturday. She was only 45. Bad things, terrible things happen in our lives. They do. It is painful. It isn't easy. Often times, it seems impossible to get through.
And the only thing I can say, and I don't mean to belittle any tragedy you or I or anyone has went through - is this: We live in a fallen world - a world that is drenched in sin & death. And even though God is in control (i'm confident he is), these terrible things still happen.
If you're reading this, and looking for an answer - I don't have one. I often wonder why God allows these terrible things to happen. But I know that he sees everything, and has a plan. I know that I can trust him. I know because his Word says so, and I believe it. I know that if I put Him first, he'll take care of everything. And I know that if I love him, he'll work ALL things out for good.
In the midst of tragedy, it often seems impossible to see God's hand. But keep looking. Keep praying. Keep serving, and keep loving Him.
Does that mean you shouldn't grieve? Not at all! You need to. I need to. We all need to. And it's ok to ask God those questions. "Why?" Why this, why that. But keep in mind, we may never know.
I may never know why God allowed our child to die before he was even born. But I do know that one day, I'll get to meet him, hold him, and kiss him. One day, in paradise, I'll get to be with him. And I know that until then, he's being taken care of.
The truth is, I still cry about that - and it was two years ago. But I know that God is in control. God sees the big picture, and he will never leave us or forsake us.
So, be strong - God strong. It's only by His strength that I can get through each and every day.
Blessings & Love,
Pastor Elgin