Why God? Finding Hope In The Midst Of Great Loss

There have been few times in my life when sorrow has gripped my heart in such a way that it was difficult to find the air to continue to breath. The ins and outs of the air within me simply reminded me of that which was stolen from someone I loved.

In those times the only words that my lips could utter were, “Why God?”. 

While there is grieving that comes from the passing of a loved one or even family member who has lived a long life serving the Lord, the sorrow I speak of now is when a life seems needlessly taken.  I have pleaded with the Lord to save the sweetest little girl from the attack of cancer, cried out to God with all my being to raise a dear friend back to life who was suddenly snatched from friends and family, and mourned the loss of a promised daughter who never saw light outside the womb. Today I grieve over the life of a young man who loved the Lord and was bursting with promise and future. My soul wants to cry out for justice and recompense although I know even this will not fill the hole his passing has left in the hearts of his family and friends.

Did these dear ones simply slip through the fingers of God?  Was He not watching?  Did He not hear our prayers for protection over our children and friends? These are all questions that we struggle with when tragedy rears its ugly head and it’s ok. 

Finding Hope In The Midst Of Great Loss

Dear ones, God is big enough to handle all of your questions and even accusations.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you: He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalms 55:22

Although I am far from understanding the sovereignty of God and cannot answer the questions why, I know that we must be honest with the Lord.  Don’t run from Him but run to Him and cling to those things that we do know about our Savior.

1. He is good and His love endures forever. There is more to eternity than we can fathom.
2. He mourns with those who are hurting and longs to comfort them.
3. He will never leave you to walk alone through the dark valleys of life.
4. He is just and holy in all His ways.
5. He will birth greatness out of tragedy and destroy the enemy with his own plans of destruction.

There Is Still A Great Work To Be Done

With each of these lives that I have mourned, I held up the torch they carried for the Lord and asked why such a great light had been extinguished.  Each time He has simply said, “It has not, nor will it ever be. Light your own torch from this flame and continue to carry a portion of the light so that it’s work will be accomplished in the earth”.

So my challenge to each of you in the midst of tragedy of this nature is to grab a torch.  Continue to spread the light that was portioned to the one you loved who is now living on the other side of eternity. The enemy has attempted to extinguish the fire that was being carried; however, together we can ignite a blaze that will turn the tables of destruction. Draw strength from the life and memories you have, stay wrapped in the arms of the Savior and carry on the work of bringing light into the darkness.

Until we see them again:)