Tragedy

​Tragedies happen.
A tragedy alters life. What was, no longer is, because something horrific has happened resulting in people’s lives being turned topsy-turvy, inside out and upside down.
Tragedies shock. Stun. Break hearts. Wrench guts. Crush spirits. Boggling minds. Tragic events shatter the peace, stability and security of our lives. A tragedy is a surprising, unwelcome event.
Heinous crimes, natural disasters, senseless accidents and unexpected death happen suddenly and are seldom, if ever, predictable. Tragedy catches us off guard and throws us into an emotional tailspin.
Sadly, tragic events occur every day and in many ways.
Media personalities sensationalize and dramatize tragedy to get the most bang out of their warped obsession with breaking news. Tragedy is no longer something that happened way over there. Human tragedy is up close and personal, in our face, whether we like it or not.
As a pastor for over forty years, I have witnessed and come alongside good, godly, precious people who have experienced unimaginable tragedies in their lives. Each time my heart has been shaken to its core. I have wept with those who were weeping. I have held those close who were stunned in disbelief. I have sympathetically listened to the anguishing emotional outbursts and the unanswered questions as to how this could have happened and why.
In the chaos of tragedy, I have done my best to ask the Lord what do the victims need most and how can I minister to them in Your name.
How should Christians respond to horrific tragedies that invade our and others lives? What do shocked people need in a personal crisis?
First, they do not need a sermon or pious platitudes that make you, the caregiver, feel better. They do not need to be ignored. They do not need to feel bad that they are emotionally upset. Do not try to answer the “why” questions. Do not feel you have to speak for God.
Secondly, they need people with caring hearts. Listening ears. A shoulder to cry on. A word of comfort. A word of assurance. A simple prayer for God’s assistance. They need to be asked what I may do for you and then you do it. They need to know that you will be there for them in the days ahead when the grief will be heaviest.
When the Lord put this topic on my heart to write about, the Holy Spirit directed me to II Corinthians 1:3-4.
“Blessed be the Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our affliction that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
The context of verses 1-10 is dealing with suffering, depression and even despair. Paul lined out a comforting process in verses 3-4.

1. God is a God of mercy and comfort. His great love for us moves Him to extend mercy and comfort to those who are hurting when tragedy strikes.
2.  God comforts Christians (you and me) in all our suffering. I am so thankful that my Father in heaven comforts me when I need comforted. His comfort is comfort indeed.
3. God comforts you and me so we can comfort others with the comfort we have received from Him. God is THE BIG Comforter and Christians are LITTLE COMFORTERS.

In John 14:7-15 Jesus told His disciples He would send another Comforter, a Helper, the Holy Spirit when He returned to heaven. The word Comforter means “one who comes alongside to help.” Spirit-filled believers can comfort people hurt by tragedy by coming alongside and sharing the love and comfort of Christ with them.
Tragedies are opportunities for Christians to comfort hurting people with God’s comfort.
When I was called upon in emergency situations, as I drove to the scene of the tragedy or the hospital, I prayed my socks off! With all the faith I could muster up, I called upon my Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit right now to comfort these hurting, devastated people. Lord, please fill me with your Spirit that I may love them with Your love to minister to their needs compassionately and wisely.
The Lord always came through in timely, wonderful ways to comfort those who needed comfort. Isaiah 53:3 says of the Messiah, (Jesus) He would be “A Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” Jesus knew sorrow and grief, therefore, He can understand and minister to those sorrowing and grieving.
When tragedy strikes your life, a loved one’s life, or the lives of people you know, do not shrink back from helping because you feel inadequate or ill-equipped. God will use you just as you are to be a conduit of His love.
Listen with your heart to a person’s hurt.
My friend, do you know someone who has experienced a tragedy? Pray for them. Ask the Lord how you can be a minister of God’s love, comfort, mercy, peace, strength, encouragement and hope. Serve them in whatever they need in Jesus’ name.
Tragedy does not have to triumph when we trust God to heal our hearts and help us move forward with faith in His goodness and faithfulness in times of difficulty.
“This is my comfort in my affliction that Your Word has revived me.” Psalm 119:50        
  A Word For Your Week: When tragedy strikes ask Jesus to comfort the hearts of those affected.