Prayer in the Midst of Tragedy

A horrific bus accident

Wildfires

Violent storms

These catastrophic events have taken place in our state in the last month. Precious lives were lost, and terrible heartache and sorrow still remains.
In times like these we feel so hopeless and helpless, but we can……

PRAY

The fatal bus accident that took the lives of six beautiful little children devastated our community. Many more children were injured, some severely, and words don’t seem adequate to express how this tragedy affected the lives of those involved. But, we can PRAY. WE can ask the Lord to heal broken hearts. WE can ask our Savior to strengthen and comfort the moms and dads who will never hold and hug their little ones again. WE can ask our Father to counsel the extended family members, friends, and teachers who will no longer experience the joy of being with these boys and girls whose lives were taken so suddenly. WE can ask the Healer to send help in any form He desires in order to help our community heal.

The wildfires that raged took lives, consumed many acres of forest, and destroyed countless buildings. Again, WE can pray for God’s peace to abound in the hearts of those whose loved ones were lost. WE can pray that resources will be provided to remove all of the charred debris, and that God will raise up the funds so businesses and homes can be rebuilt from the ashes.

The violent tornadoes and storms also took precious lives and devastated property. Again, we can pray, pray, pray!!

All of these things serve as a stark reminder of how helpless we are to prevent and control the tragic things that happen in life. We truly don’t understand when bad things occur, but we have a Savior who told us that, “……in Me you may have peace. In this world you will trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The Lord promises, “….in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Most assuredly, all of these events were definitely NOT good things. Yet, those of us who know Christ believe and have seen God take the most painful of circumstances and bring rays of hope. The Lord is Faithful to His Word!! I look with anticipation to the day when He wipes away every tear, and takes away death, mourning, crying, and pain FOREVER! (Revelation 21:4)

After the bus accident, many in our community came out to donate blood (donors were lined up outside the building!). Almost immediately, a special fund was established to help the suffering families. The school bus company graciously offered to pay the funeral and medical expenses of the families involved. Prayer vigils were held to remember victims. So, we have already seen the compassion and love of The Lord Jesus Christ at work in the midst of tragedy.

So, my sisters, when life seems unbearable and it feels like the world is spinning out of control, leaving us feeling hopeless and helpless, remember we can always PRAY!!!

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17