Dealing with Tragedy

© 08 Born-Again-Christian.info

Questioning tragic occurrences

Q: Sometimes it is difficult to accept tragic events that have taken place, and the question, "Why?" surfaces, especially when innocent children are involved, or someone is brutally harmed. Is there a comforting Scripture that you could share? Gail

A: Well, I don't know what particular circumstances are prompting you to ask Gail, but speaking generally, if you mean "Why do bad things happen to Christians?" That is easy to answer.

Firstly, many people call themselves "Christians" but are not Christian. They are still children of the Devil, and under his evil power. We all know people like this, they are in a pseudo-Christian cult such as the Catholics, Jay Dubs, Mormons, SDA, ICC, and so on.

Then there are the nominal "Christians", who hold to creeds and doctrines, but have never been born again. Denominations are packed with such-like. They have a "form of religion", but no power over sin, or Satan.

Next, there are genuine Christians who've not understood and embraced their redemption. They do not walk in their Blood-bought authority. They crawl along in ignorance calling themselves "sinners", endlessly asking God to do for them what He's already told them to do. Thus they deny their office, and Satan runs riot in their lives.

T.L. Osborn knows "Why"

Finally, there are Spirit-filled Christians who are not where they ought to be, and not doing what they have been instructed to. They knowingly rebel against God's will for their lives, and so wander off the narrow path, and fall into sin's snares.

So, to give a simple example; if a newly born again Christian worships with a fellowship that rejects the power baptism, tongues, and the healing part of the Gospel, they will be stunted, and eventually fall victim to ignorance and neglect.

Similarly, parents who fail to exercise faith, and use their authority in the spiritual realm to protect their children, will lose them to the enemy.

Those simple reasons are behind the majority of the situations you have in mind.

There are times when a Christian is sure and certain they were in God's perfect will, and yet something apparently tragic occurs.

Think of Stephen being stoned to death by the demonized religious mob. His family doubtless asked, "Why Lord?" But now it is clear; his towering Holy Ghost utterance, and bold example, had a profound influence on at least one of the furious Jews. And God later used him to unfold our eternal redemption (in the Epistles), and pen most of the New Testament.

So to answer you directly.

If you missed God, there's no use denying the fact; admit it, wholeheartedly repent and believe the Good News of your redemption, then walk in the Spirit from now on. Remember the kingdom is not a matter of talk, but of power. (1 Co. 4:20) Exercise it!

If you are certain you did not miss God, then rest in confidence that He will use the "tragedy" to glorify His Name as you continue to follow Him.

Jim Elliot story

Recall Jim Elliot, a young missionary murdered by the South American natives he set out to lead to Christ. His young wife could have descended into unbelief and wallowed in self-pity, but instead she continued in Jim's steps, forgiving, and leading his murderers to Christ. Her courageous love, and gracious faith, sparked revival amongst the Indians. Do you think Jim was chuffed in the Glory?

There are many Scriptures exhorting us to repent and believe, instead of doubting and fretting, use those to keep your mind in line with your spirit and the Word. For example: Is. 30:15, Pr. 3:5-6, Ro. 8:28 and so on.

There will be many times in your walk that you will not understand why things happen, or what God is doing, but if you stay faithful (which means full of faith), focussed on Christ, and walk steadfastly in the Light, ultimately you will understand.