Why?

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
**********************************

When tragedy strikes, so often we wonder: why?

Earlier today, a friend of mine found out that a family he knows lost their son to suicide over the weekend.  When you hear news like this, especially as a parent, you are hit with a range of emotions.  First is the utter sadness.  You reflect on your own children and try to push away the thought of,  “what if that was me?”

But, inevitably, our thoughts turn to the basic question.

Why?

There is no answer, at least not one we can understand or is even available to us during our life on this side of eternity.  So, if there is no answer, how can we even begin to process this kind of tragedy?  The harsh, cold truth is, we can’t.

But, we don’t have to figure it out.  Believe it or not, God takes all things…every single one…and causes them to work for good.  We can take our fear, our sadness and our confusion, and hand them over to Him.

Dearest Lord, 

We cannot understand why things happen which cause us pain.  All we know is that You are with us. 

Help us to remember that You are in control, You love us and all things are pointed toward Your perfect plan. 

Most of all, God, we pray for this family who has lost their son.  Send Your Holy Spirit to be with them and give them comfort.  Place friends and family around them as uplifting angels.   

All these things we ask and offer in the name of Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,  

Amen.