How to Handle Tragedy

There are times in our life when something, sickness or death, or both stops us in our tracks and grabs our attention in the worst way. Sometimes fear comes upon us unexpectedly. At times like these it is important to stop the panic and distress. Step back and take a moment to review our situation in the light of the word of God. God's promises are true and faithful. We do not know why we must go through terrible trials. We may never know the answer. One thing I do know is that God has a plan for every one of us! You had a plan from the moment you were born. Sometimes plans get changed because of choices we make but there is always a plan.

The following exerpt from Psalms 55 has now become a prayer for help in time of tragedy and need. Pray this prayer when you are in doubt and distress. Dig deep in your faith and purpose in your heart to stand fast on the word of God. He loves you. His love never fails.

1. Psalm 55:22
   Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
   Psalm 55:21-23 (in Context) Psalm 55 (Whole Chapter)

¹ Give ear to my prayer, O God,
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
² Attend to me, and hear me;
I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,...

⁴ My heart is severely pained within me,
And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
⁵ Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me,
And horror has overwhelmed me.
⁶ So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest.
⁷ Indeed, I would wander far off,
And remain in the wilderness. Selah
⁸ I would hasten my escape
From the windy storm and tempest.”

¹² For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.

¹⁶ As for me, I will call upon God,
And the LORD shall save me.
¹⁷ Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.
¹⁸ He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,
For there were many against me.

²² Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

1. 1 Peter 5:7
   Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
   1 Peter 5:6-8 (in Context) 1 Peter 5 (Whole Chapter)

Lay Hold on Eternal Life

1. 1 Timothy 6:12
   Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
2. 1 Timothy 6:19
   Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I have been thinking a lot about laying hold on eternal life. I have lived for the Lord by choice almost as long as I have been alive. It seems to me many of us become accustomed to living for God and the lifestyle that it becomes a way of life. Now, this can be a good thing or a bad thing.

If we become so used to living for God that we lose sight of the intensity, the passion, and the need to pray more effectively, we may find ourselves in trouble during the perilous times in which we now live. It is time for the believers to forget about superficial values and get to the core of the issue. The hard questions must be asked. Do you or do you not believe we are living in the End Times? If you do believe we are in the end times, it is beyond foolish to live in a manner that does not acknowledge that fact.

Jesus gave us specific instructions about living in the last days.

Luke 21

The Coming of the Son of Man
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

The Parable of the Fig Tree
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

The Importance of Watching
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. ³⁵ For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Friends, I feel in my soul that something has changed. I can't quite put my finger on it. I have been looking for the Rapture of the Church every day of my life as long as I can remember. One thing I know is that He is coming for a people who are looking for Him. Today there are more people who are haters of Christianity. In fact many people hate anyone who represents God...any god! Purpose in your heart today that you will make your calling and election sure!

Blessings!