When Tragedy Strikes

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
I Corinthians 13:12

My heart is grieved over  tragedies this past week. My heart heavy for family members void of their children, spouses and friends.  Why Lord? What do we say to them? How do we respond?

I’ll never forget those who have ministered to us in our own tragedies.  It wasn’t their words, it was their love and tears that spoke volumes. Sometimes no words are the best words. Ask Holy Spirit to lead you when ministering to grieving people. He weeps and groans on their behalf and that will come through if you wait on Him to lead you.

In every tragedy  I am reminded of the passage in John 11 where Jesus’ friend Lazarus dies.  Jesus saw the sisters and friends crying and He wept. I believe that even though Jesus knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead he groaned and wept for them because death was not God’s original plan. In the beginning when God created the earth He created it without death. But when sin entered through Adam and Even, death was a result.

God, Jesus and Holy Spirit feel our pain deeply. Jesus was feeling intense sorrow and pain for the ones He loved, because death is cruel. When we hurt deeply God hurts deeply for us. He cries and groans on our behalf as only a loving Father would.

The next time you’re by the side of one grieving, ask God to reveal His heart for them to you. You’ll probably not have words but streams of tears. That may very well be all you need to impart, today.

Weeks  and months after a tragedy words, meals, cards and visits are a necessity.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.