Where is God in the midst of tragedies?
Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005
By Henry Blackaby

In the midst of tragedies, every promise of God is still true. Tragedy does not remove God or change God. He remains (Hebrews 13:8). When God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5), He means this and He never changes. Such promises of God are for such times as tragedy.

Some feel that if God is really a God of Love, He would not permit any tragedies. Not so! Sin causes tragedy. Sin is real and brings death (Romans 6:23). In the midst of all sin does to disrupt and destroy life as God intended, He has provided a way for dealing with sin and its consequences. His own presence through the death, resurrection and ascension of His Son has provided totally. His Grace is sufficient, always (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Apostle Paul, out of the depth of His life experiences, could boldly proclaim: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20b). Paul also knew the incredible effect of sin on all creation, so that through nature death and destruction could prevail: “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22). We are experiencing the awesome reality of this all over the world in our day.

To leave the reality of sin, and its effects, out of our reasoning in the midst of tragedies would be foolish. It also would distort the Truth of God, creating confusion and unnecessary pain and suffering. God remains prefect love in the midst of tragedy, and His presence can and will transform everything –- if we let Him.

As a pastor, I’ve seen God’s presence and truths set people free and transform entire situations. We have been experiencing many tragedies in recent months. We need to choose to believe God and let Him affect us –- in His perfect love! We must not let the world bring their claims against God, or put us into their mold of thinking about God in the midst of tragedies. We are not intimidated by the world’s lack of knowledge about God. We have been given the Truth by God, in His Word, and we must share His Truth with our world boldly and confidently.
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For more information about Henry Blackaby's ministry and travel schedule, visit his website at www.blackaby.org, or contact Blackaby Ministries International, P.O. Box 16338, Atlanta, Ga. 30321; (404) 362-9500.