Article December 8, 1997 Issue

Where is God if tragedy strikes?

Sancy Nason Childs

A Mudslide in the ski village of Thredbo in the Australian Snowy Mountains left people trapped in the rubble of collapsed ski lodges. At that time, a friend and I in a nearby ski area spent many hours in prayer. We both had friends in Thredbo. Her husband, a member of the Bush Fire Bridgade, was called to assist in the rescue operation.

Initially, it seemed very difficult, if not absurd, to propose that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). How could this Bible verse be describing the actual facts of the situation? Yet, knowing what we did of God's presence and love, we held to this spiritual truth even in the face of our own doubts and fears. As an answer to the question "Where is God in all this mess?" we offered that God is here, not the mess.

By affirming the presence and power of God, good, in absolute contradiction of the tragedy, we were not ignoring the suffering people experienced. Rather, we were acknowledging that His Christ was present, guiding those who were attempting rescues, sustaining those in trouble, comforting those who had lost loved ones. To cling to the spiritual facts, to ponder the allness and onliness of God, divine Love, is to begin the comforting, healing process.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Wake up and watch
December 8, 1997
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit