Today, tragedy struck the Katy neighborhood of Falcon Point when a young girl, an eight-year-old student at Fielder Elementary, and her mom were involved in a car crash. Sadly the young girl died. For many, a tragedy like this brings to the surface deep theological issues. Where was God when we needed Him? How can God allow bad things to happen to good people? If God is all-powerful why didn’t he stop this senseless tragedy?
Church, now is not the time to debate the goodness or the sovereignty of God, but rather to respond like God. For in our darkest hour when we need Him the most God sent us Jesus, Emmanuel – God with us. And when Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus died, Jesus didn’t preach a sermon on the goodness or the sovereignty of God, He was deeply moved in His spirit by the weeping of Mary and those around her that He too, wept (John 11:33-35). Let us remind those around us that God is good and He is in control, not because we can defend Him theologically, but rather because we can act like Him and enter into someone else’s tragedy with them. Through our love and actions we can help our friends in need experience God’s goodness and comfort and know that He will never leave them nor forsake them.
Not even five months ago tragedy struck even closer to home when we lost David Cooper. I guarantee you the Cooper’s aren’t surviving on their understanding of who God is, but rather on the presence of a loving God made known through the actions of family and friends. Whether it is a major tragedy like the loss of a child or just someone having a bad day, I want to encourage you to be present with them. Weep with them if they need to weep, laugh with them if they need to laugh, just be with them. We don’t always need to understand God, but there is real comfort knowing that God understands us.
In loving memory of David Cooper and anyone else who is struggling today, know that I am praying for you.
Craig