How To Respond
She was concerned they would be turned off God if such a tragedy happened to Christians.
Reference: Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. (Psalm 79:10 NIV)
Explore: A high school chaplain told me about a family tragedy she went through at one stage of her life. She had already started to work at the school and she was worried about how this crisis would affect her work.
As Christians we often think nothing bad should ever happen to us. My chaplain friend was concerned the staff and students she worked with would be turned off God if such a tragedy happened to Christians.
But their response was quite the opposite.
Through this time of personal tragedy, the school community really gathered around my friend to assist and support her. This proved to my friend the great work she had already done in the school by establishing good relationships with many people.
And, while she thought it might turn people away from God, she actually found people asked her more questions about Him. They had observed how well she had coped in a time of crisis and wanted to know how she could still have hope when so many others crumbled.
While she would never wish her personal crisis on others, she was able to connect with an unbelieving community in greater ways than she had before.
Application: When the enemy attacks and times get tough we can often ask, “Where is God?” And yet, our response in these times can be more of an evangelistic tool than any seeker service.
Bad things happen to good people. Christians are not exempt from the reality of life. However, it is our response to these situations that can set us apart.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I lose hope and struggle to see You in my pain. May I always be assured You are there with me. Amen.
How are you showing others God’s presence in your life today?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.