Why?

Violence and tragedy seem to be bombarding us. Whether it's the school shootings that have taken place since the beginning of fall, or the random act of violence in North Carolina a few weeks ago. Even before that, the flooding in Texas that swept away so many lives, young and old. And obviously the assassinations of the Minnesota state legislators, and now, Charlie Kirk. 

All of this can leave us asking why? Why, God, are you allowing such loss, such sorrow, in the lives of some truly innocent people? Why didn't you protect them, save them from such an awful fate??

I, like many of you, have asked these questions about the national events, but also in my life personally. Why, Lord, why didn't you save my little boy? Why didn't you keep our family together? Didn't you hear all of our prayers??

 

 

Many of us are watching, reading, hearing, and seeing how all of these national tragedies are just causing further division and hostility in our country. Communities in-fighting, families dividing, and friendships broken because of which side each fall on. Because they can't agree on the cause and what the solution is. 

If the event wasn't sad enough, the aftermath can be just as heartbreaking. 

It's okay to be upset. This isn't how God intended the world to be. If you, like me, are disgusted by the world right now, I think that's okay. Good even. We should be disgusted by what sin and evil have done to humanity, to people's hearts. We can hate the sin and wickedness in this world and mourn for all that has been lost, because the Bible tells us God does too (Genesis 6:6, John 11:35). 

I think it's so hard for us to understand why He allows such appalling events because we think suffering and death should be avoided at all costs. It's a natural instinct to not intentionally bring either of these things upon ourselves or want them to be inflicted on those we love. But in God's kingdom, suffering and death are some of His most powerful tools. Ones He doesn't take off the table. Much to our regret and deep, deep disappointment...

I know I'm not the only one who knows this all too well. Seeing a loved one endure hardship or losing them altogether is one of the hardest things we can face. But yet, once we can see straight again through the grief, you really can see how God can use even death for good. That sometimes if we didn't have the suffering or the loss, we'd never accomplish half of what God can do through the tragedy.

This is what I have told myself in the past and keep reminding myself as one terrible news story comes after the other. We can mourn but not like the world does, without hope (1 Thess 4:13). No, we have a living hope in the face of death (1 Peter 1:3, 1 Tim 4:10). We will see our fellow Christians again. Death does not win, because of Christ and His finished work on the cross. We are more than conquerors, and we should act that way (Romans 8:37). 

On the hill of calvary Jesus defeated the enemy, answered all of our prayers, and saved our loved ones. He died for the sinners, and for the saints. For those on the left and on the right. For the little ones, and the old ones. For you, and for me (John 3:16, Romans 5:6, 2 Cor 5:15, 1 Peter 3:18). Suffering and death are ugly and horrifying, but they ultimately lost their power 2,000 years ago. The enemy will not win no matter how many lives he takes on his way to destruction.

Our living hope sustains us today because we know that there is a day coming. The day will come when Jesus returns and brings with Him Heaven to this this broken Earth. All will be redeemed, all will be restored. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more pain or death. God will dwell with us, and from the Tree of Life will flow living water. His justice will rein down on the evil, and punishment will come to all who have not repented of their sins (Rev 21). It will be a glorious day!

But we aren't there yet. 

We all wait and groan, experience the birth pains as we wait for His return to restore all things (Romans 8:22). To redeem us and bring His justice. 

In the meantime, what can we do? How do we keep moving forward when we are so weighed down by the sadness in this world? 

We do what He tells us to do: Be thankful (Col 4:2). Trust in Him (Psalms 125:1, Proverbs 3:5). Have peace because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Love Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls, and keep His commandments (Mark 12:30, John 14:15). Do not compromise on His truth (2 Cor 4:2-4), but love others as He instructs us (Mark 12:31, John 13:35-36). Which is without judgement but not rejoicing over sin (1 Cor 13, Matt 7:1). Encouraging one another with psalms and hymns. Reminding and strengthening each other with His promises and wisdom (Col 3:16)

And if we do this, we will find joy in this life even before creation is redeemed. I know, because I've experienced it. I've learned what it means to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing (2nd Cor 6:10). Our work does matter in this life as we further His Kingdom. We ought to keep doing it! Keep raising our little ones to know Him, keep using the abilities and skills He gave us at our jobs. Be a good neighbor and friend. Shine our light into this world's darkness (Matt 5:16).

I don't think there ever will be an answer to why in this life that completely satisfies our broken hearts. Some things--like children being swept away while they sleep, innocent blood being spilled in a subway, a father taken from his young family, and little boys dying from cancer before their 3rd birthday-- will just never sit right in our hearts. But that's why it's called faith. We have to hold on to the belief that it will make sense someday. That with an eternal perspective, we will we see how this is the way it all had to be. God doesn't ask us to like it, but to trust Him anyway. Be confident in His power and His victory and wait for the day when He returns in His glory.

I know I'm not the only one praying right now, bring on the day Lord!

**Sorry for all the verse notes, I'm sure it feels like a lot. It was a lot to look up! But I included the Biblical references because I do think it's important to show the receipts. Not just say things that sound good to ourselves, but not know where the words come from. Support our arguments with references, cite our sources**