Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
On this day 12 years ago, many lives were lost in a horrific act of terror. There is no good explanation. No good reason. Nothing. Today I reflect because of two young men I knew, though not well, who lost their lives in recent weeks. Both were young. Both were popular. Both were star athletes. Everyone liked these young men. One was starting his senior year. The other starting life in the real world. Both had so much potential.
Like many others I am left wondering Why? Why God would you let someone die so young? Why would you let someone who has so much potential die? I don't have an answer. I probably never will. Many emotions can well up inside. Anger. Sadness. Hopelessness. Defeat. The most recent passing is the one that has me choked up the most. But its strange. I didn't know him that well. I spent a summer in Colorado and got to know this young man. The emotions keep coming.
I am left knowing certain truths though. God is Sovereign. 1 Timothy 6:15 says ...God will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. God is above all, he knows all. He is in control. God is Love. 1 John 4:8 says Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. I don't claim to always understand God's love. But I know he loves each and every one of us dearly. God has a Plan. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring. But God establishes our course for His glory.
Hold on to these promises about God. Take refuge in the Lord in the difficult times. Take refuge in the Lord in good times. He is our strength. Our purpose.
Come near to God and he will come near to you
James 4:8a
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9
Lastly, I want to say its okay to be upset with God. Throughout the Psalms we can see David and other Psalmist exlaiming "GOD! Why have you forsaken me!" Jesus even said that on the cross! God created us with feelings. He knows we will be upset with Him many times. Be truthful with him, don't be afraid to speak your mind, to feel like you have to be okay with tragedies. Just know he is faithful. Psalm 33:4 says For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. We can't know all things. all reasons. And sometimes we will feel like we have more on our plate than we can handle. That is when we go to those God has put in our lives to help us limp through until we can walk on our own again.
Here is an article that can be for those of you thinking "I can't handle this anymore."
Life is but a mist. Make the most of the time you have now. Glorify God with your life. Share the gospel as often as possible. You never know when life is going to take a tragic turn. Love each other. Love God.
Above all else.
Praise God in the good. Praise God in the bad. Praise God.
Give Him the glory.
Give Him the glory.
