Reflection
I no longer feared death when I truly understood what Jesus’ death and resurrection meant.
Today I understand death to be nothing more than the final step in gaining entry into eternity.
Not Easy to Understand
My lack of fear over my transition to heaven doesn’t help comfort me when I observe all the tragedies in our world.
Why?
I’m like, “OK, God, I know we will all die, but why can’t it be peaceful on our 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 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 it have to come because of ONE wrong decision?
Why? Why? Why?
Fact
The enemy thrives in tragedies.
In tragedy, our human mind begins to question God and His existence. So, when tragedy happens, we either hold onto our fears or dive deep into our faith.
The devil loves us to question God’s existence when struggling with emotions tied to a tragic situation—fears about whether this “God thing” is true often go through our minds.
Reverse the thinking…
When the devil gets me to question God and His motives, I often look back a couple of thousand years and think about the tragic and painful death His son experienced.
Jesus was whipped, beaten, spit on, kicked, mocked, laughed at, and crucified on a cross to die so we could be released from the bondage of our sins and have eternal life.
I do not believe God views death the way we do.
More Facts
God trumps 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 two 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 will dig in and become your buddy…which is an even bigger tragedy.
Overcoming
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
