“There is a mystery to tragedies like this, We do not know the answer and may never know until God explains all things to us.”
This is a quote from Billy Graham when asked why God allows suffering to innocent people. The blog picture was taken just days before the terrible flood took the lives of each person in the Bubble Inn of Camp Mystic Christian Camp.
This cabin sat very close to the river, so the waters quickly overwhelmed them, while other cabins of girls were not swept away because they were on higher ground. This seems to be totally unfair to families that had sent their daughters for this camp experience.
Losing a child or children is the most difficult and painful experience that I have encountered in my seven decades of life. My mystery in the tragedy began Christmas morning in 1997, when my two children moved up to heaven due to a tragic car crash. We had joyfully gifted our daughter with this car just minutes before, and now it was our worst nightmare, just like these parents had sent their girls to this camp with no thought of it ending in tragedy.
When I learned of the many children who did not survive the floodwaters, my heart was wrenched because I know the pain and heartbreak these parents had been suddenly plunged into – the most overwhelming depth of despair. The dry flood of pain and sorrow!
One particular family stood out to me because their daughter is Sarah Marsh, and they live in Mountain Brook, Alabama. I do not know this family, even though we share the same last name. I do not have personal knowledge of them, but I do know the deep pain and agony they are now experiencing.
I know they are going to have many people from their church and community ministering to them during this time. That is a gift that our Brothers and Sisters come together to help those who are hurting. Many will stay away because they do not know how to address the facts of the tragedies of this life.
As Christians, how should we react to being thrust into an inexplicable season of pain and suffering for ourselves or other saints?
First, we should fall before our God and worship. I know this sounds crazy, but if we truly believe that God is our all in all, what other choice do we have? He is either worthy of our praises in the hardest of times, or He is not worthy at all. I remember falling to my knees when the Police came to my door. I remember wailing in great pain, and I also remember calling out to Jesus how I loved Him and trusted Him. You may not see this as worship, but I assure you that when your world falls apart, telling God that He is still Lord in your life is worship.
Second, we should ask God to teach us everything He would have us learn because He has allowed this season to befall us. Dr. Charles Stanley always preached that when we are given a great burden to bear, we need to ask God what He is teaching us now. This again sounds like a crazy thought, and not long after we had learned of our own loss, a Brother in Christ said these very words to us – “Oh, the things that God is going to show you and teach you during this time of grief.” Brother Bob Hunt spoke this over us, and even though I did not understand at the time, he was prophetic in his words.
Third, we should exhibit an attitude of glorifying God through it all. People will be watching to see if being a Christian really makes a difference in the way you react to tragedy in your walk of life. As they see you glorifying God in the midst of your pain, they will wonder who or what has made the difference in us. We need to magnify God in the hard times even more than in the good.
The Bible teaches that we are to be light to a world that is in darkness, and what better way than to be patient in our suffering. That is one of the hardest things of all, to be patient, to keep songs in our heart, to continue trusting daily, and to flee from the attitude of bitterness.
There is no “Golden Ticket” to an easy life just because we are Christians. John 16:33 {NIV} tells us the opposite is true:
“These things I have sppoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Yes, we will have extremely hard times – guaranteed. But Christ promised that He has overcome the world and He is in control.
We may be feeling like everything is spiralling out of control, but our God is not.
God promises that good will result from our suffering. The mountaintop days cause us to praise joyfully, while the valley
wanderings cause us to cling dearly to God, growing our faith muscles in ways we cannot explain. This is what Romans 8:28 is telling us. Not that our circumstances are good, but that we serve a God who will use them for our good.
As Christians, we must take solace in knowing that God always has a plan and is working it for the good of His eternal Kingdom.
Corrie Ten Boom stated, “There is no panic in heaven. God has no problems, only plans.”
We are not able to see it all now, but one day we will see it all clearly, and our tragic seasons will be fully understood.
My prayer:
Dear Jesus, our world seems to be in a constant state of chaos, and spinning totally out of control. Help me to slow down my thoughts and anxious heart. Help me to rest in You. Teach me to fully trust and find stillness in Your presence. Our world will only grow more chaotic until Your Son, Jesus Christ, returns to rule and reign as King of all Kings. Help me remain faithful and be a light showing forth Your glory to the darkness of this world. I pray you deliver all
the families that are experiencing great pain from grief. Thank you, Jesus, for always being there to wipe our tears and comfort our souls.
I love you, Lord, Jesus.
Your daughter,
Rebekah
Patrick and Jill are Sarah’s parents – call their name before Jesus and ask Him to bless them with the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
Debbie Ford Marsh, Sarah’s Grandmother, wrote this about her:
“We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives, She will live in our hearts forever.”
Rebekah Marsh
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#rebekahmarshblogs