Sain Publications
In a few months it will be 50 YEARS since the sudden death of our first child (March 3, 1966). LaDon and I were forever changed with that event. Friends supported us, singers blessed us, my brother David spoke treasured words of comfort – but a precious beautiful girl was no longer with us.
WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO US?
Sure, we were so young, immature and with anger we asked “Why?” – A natural reaction I suppose for a twenty year old. And yes we were “mad” at everyone because it happened (even God). Thankfully God blessed us with a few months of time that enabled us to return to our senses.
Tornados, Hurricanes, Automobile Accidents, Cancer, Etc. – These tragic events occur in our lives and take precious ones whom we love away from us here on earth. Questions abound – why a tornado destroys one house and the next one to it is untouched? Many of us have watched in horror as an automobile in front of us is broadsided by another – and we understandably think, “what if that had been me?”
Where Was God When This Happened To Us? – Some time ago I recall hearing this provoking question and an excellent answer – God was where He was when His Son died for all mankind. He was willing for His “only begotton Son” to die in our place, because of our sins – that we might be saved by obtaining forgiveness of our sins.
Think: “Why should we think that bad things will NOT happen to us?” – While we travel on this life’s journey on earth, we are not immune from storms, tragedies, and unpleasant events. Others who do not even believe in God likewise suffer in diverse ways. Thus we acknowledge that God does not protect us from harm, tragedy, nor disease. Paul said that the righteous will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12), but we understand that we are not exempt from calamities.
How comforting to know that our Lord has assured us that He will never forsake nor leave us (Heb. 13:5-6). He is with us always (Matt. 28:20). We will never face more than what we are able to endure (1 Cor. 10:13).
A Final Thought. My precious wife and I have faced other challenging events – fire that destroyed most of our home, a tornado that took down twenty-two trees in our yard (but all of our family survived), our home was flooded (over six feet deep), etc. To put a positive spin on it all – these events have enabled us to feel the pain and help others who faced similar situations. To God be the glory.
Our time upon this earth will be brief (James 4:14). This world is not our home, our final abode. Whether we like to consider it or not, we are all terminal. Either we will die or the Lord will return and bring our walk on earth to an end.
Is it not true that it is NOT so significant how we die, but rather the spiritual condition at the time of our departure is ALL THAT MATTERS!
