When Tragedy Strikes

Images of precious children who have not yet been found or who are already in the arms of Jesus keep popping up on my social media and news feeds.  Consequently, I find myself very emotional in the wake of the flooding disaster in Texas.  Senseless tragedy affects us in ways we may not understand. 

Questions plague my mind.  God, why did you let this happen?  God, I believe You are all powerful and all knowing.  So, God, why didn’t You warn these children or better yet rescue every single precious life?  

Being a Texan by birth I am very familiar with the beauty of the Hill country where the devastation has occurred.   My heart aches for the parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends that have been affected. But there seems to be nothing I can do.  And I, by nature, am a doer.  

What do I do with all these emotions?  What do I do with the questions racing in my mind?  Is there anything I can do to help?

1.  It's okay to have questions and ask “Why?”  Even Jesus asked “Why?”  (Mark 15:34)  David also questioned God in Psalm 22 in the face of suffering.   God is big enough to handle questions.  However, it is imperative to look for answers in a relationship to Christ and not just seek an explanation.  Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33   Peace is found in Him, not in an explanation or in a reason for tragedy.  Peace is found by resting in His love which He demonstrated on the cross. (Romans 5:8)

   
   

2. Pray for the families who are grieving loss, pray for those yet to be found, pray for rescue workers.   Do not say “I can only pray!”  God hears us when we pray and He does answer.  Either we believe Him or we don’t.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

   
   

3. Give financially to the families affected if you are led to do so.

   
   

4. Most importantly, look around you.  There may not be anyone drowning in a flood of water in your local community.  However, there are plenty of people and especially children who are drowning in a sea of hopelessness.  Serve children.  Volunteer to work with children at your church or in your community or support those who do work with children.   Do you know the hardest position to fill at church is that of preschool/children’s workers?  Why do we weep over the loss of a child in a flood of water but not grieve that so many children have never heard the Gospel or experienced His love from someone who does know Jesus?  

   
   

Several years ago God convicted me deeply over not serving children. I excused my absence by saying things like “I’m not called to serve children. My gift is teaching God’s word to women.”  One day I heard the Lord say clearly, “Who gave you the gift of teaching God’s word?  How dare you tell me where to use that gift.”  Ouch! 

Ask God to show you children in your own community who need serving.  Maybe it’s providing clothing or food.  Maybe it’s serving in an after school program. Maybe it's serving children at your church. Maybe it’s going on a mission trip to take care of the children of missionaries so their mom and dad can attend a marriage retreat or soul care retreat.  (Let us know. That’s what we do at Passion Promise Ministries).  Again, open your eyes to see those around you who are drowning in hopelessness.  Let us offer them a life line:  Jesus!