Crushing Fear – Day 16 – Tragedy

Real tragedy is the person going through a tragic situation with no belief and trust in God.

— Jay Meyer —

DSC_7356When I began to truly understand what Jesus’ death and resurrection meant, I no longer feared death like I once did.  Today I know that death is a critical step we must all take on the road to eternity.

Although the above is truth to me, it still doesn’t help me understand tragedy.  I’m like “OK God, I know we are all going to die but why can’t it be a peaceful death on our own terms?”

Why does it have to come from the hands of a deranged individual?

Why does it have to come in the form of a natural disaster?

Why does it have to come in the form of cancer?

Why does it have to come at the expense of my own mental health issues?

Why does it have to come through an uncontrollable addiction?

Why does it have to come through a drunk driver?

Why does have to come because of ONE bad decision?

Why?  Why?  Why?

The devil thrives in tragedies.  It is in tragedy where our human mind begins to question God and His existence.  When tragedy happens we either hold onto our fears or dive deep into our faith.

The devil loves for us to question God’s existence when we are struggling with emotions tied to a tragic situation.  Fears about whether or not this “God thing” is true or not, often go through our minds.

When the devil gets me to question God and His motives, I immediately reflect back a couple thousand years and think about the tragic and painful death His son experienced.  Jesus was whipped, beaten, spit on, kicked, mocked, laughed at and hung on a cross to die so we could be released from the bondage of our sin and have eternal life.  I personally do not believe God views death the way we do.

The fact is God beats death every day of the week.  When the devil thought he had won on that dark and gloomy Friday over 2000 years ago, God had one more card to play and trumped his butt for eternity a couple days later.

If you struggle with questioning God and asking Him why?, join the crowd, it is only human nature.  But if you stay in the why?, the devil is going to dig in and become your buddy…which is the biggest tragedy.

Dealing with the questions of tragedy requires ongoing prayer, the love and support of others, lots of faith, and the ability to see life from an eternal perspective…easier said than done.

John 5:24 (NIV), “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

Reflection:

What beliefs, thoughts and actions cause you to struggle with tragedy?

Additional Scripture to read and reflect upon:  Matthew 5:4, Psalm 147:3, Revelation 21:4

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

 

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