tragedy

I have heard it said several times the shortest story is this; For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn. This week, I have witnessed that short story come true. It has broken my heart, yet I am not even related to the child. The sadness has consumed my thoughts. I have prayed for the parents and the family a lot.

What do you say to someone personally connected to this tragic event or any other gut-wrenching life situation? Words are so hard to come by. I asked April for help, and she replied, “You’re the writer!” I admit everything that came to my mind seemed so empty.

I read in Richard Exley’s book, “Blue Collar Christianity,” that sometimes, just being there is enough. Touching their arm, placing yours around their shoulder, or holding their hand if appropriate speaks volumes. It tells the individual walking waist-deep in grief, hurt, or pain that you are there with them and that you wish they weren’t going through this experience, but at least they are not going through it alone.

Of course, God is right there with them as well. And the Holy Spirit is the greatest comforter, but people can’t see them, and some fail to realize they are there. They can see people who care, though, so they find comfort in knowing that people care. Another reason to express your concern the best you can. Some will cook a meal, and others will send a card or flowers. Some might show up in person and give a hug. As I wound up doing, you can always ask God what to say. Regardless of whether the words were correct doesn’t matter; they know I care.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— John 14:16 (AMPC)

Prayer: “Father God, be with the family that has suffered this traumatic loss. Holy Spirit, comfort them. Help them today and in the days to come. As they search desperately for a reason and for someone to blame, may they not blame you, God, but understand this happened because we live in a world of free will and, therefore, of sin. May they run closer to you, God, and not from you. And God, I pray this for anyone in the world who is struggling, hurting, and needing you. Amen.”

Then Eliphaz from Teman spoke up:

“Would you mind if I said something to you?
    Under the circumstances it’s hard to keep quiet.
You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words
    that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit.
Your words have put stumbling people on their feet,
    put fresh hope in people about to collapse.
But now you’re the one in trouble—you’re hurting!
    You’ve been hit hard and you’re reeling from the blow.
But shouldn’t your devout life give you confidence now?
    Shouldn’t your exemplary life give you hope? Job 4:1-6 (MSG)

Do you find it difficult to encourage yourself, even with the very words you have used with others? I do. At times it seems impossible to find hope and peace when you look at your own life. Funny, how sure you are of the power of the words you spoke to another, but when it comes to applying them to your situation, not so much. They seem empty.

In the above portion of scripture, Job’s friend, Eliphaz (it’s ok, I don’t know how to pronounce it either) was trying to remind him of what he has done to help others. What he has said that encouraged, lifted up, and gave them hope. Then he asked two very good questions. “Shouldn’t your devout life give you confidence now? Shouldn’t your exemplary life give you hope?”

The answer is, “YES!” It should, and will if you allow it. God hasn’t changed, just your current situation has. I struggled with this myself as I have described in recent post. Yes, I knew better, and after giving it a lot of thought I think I have figured out partly why. Time.

We live in such an instant gratification world that we expect everything to get resolved fast. I mean, we have fast food, Prime same day delivery, one hour photos, why not “Fast God”? Would it be asking too much for God to open up a drive thru?

Time seems to do a work in us. Someone once said, “Time heals all wounds.” Not sure about that. It does seem to make us take survey of our lives though. I think there are some things we go through when God gives us the time we need to know the bottom line is, we need him to do his best work in the situation. I know the end of Job’s story and that is what happened in his life. God did a work in the heart of Job by allowing tragedy to strike.

God really does work all things to his glory.

“That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Rom. 8:26-28 (MSG)

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

What Do You Say?

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— John 14:16 (AMPC)

Drive thru God

God really does work all things to his glory.