Tragedy

Where is God in the pain of my tragedy?

God’s Response

Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons. . . . About ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her husband or sons. . . . “Call me Mara,” [she said] . . . “Why should you call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy?” Ruth 1:3-5, 20-21

When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. . . . When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:3-4

The universal human response to calamity is panic, fear, and grief. The Bible teaches that Christians, people who live in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, also grieve during times of loss —but that we grieve with hope. We grieve because we experience the real pain of loss, but we grieve with hope because we know that God can and will redeem our tragedy into his glory. God does not waste our sorrows.

God’s Promise

In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and rescued me. Psalm 118:5