4 Ways God Works Tragic Events to Good

Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy; they didn’t know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s house”.

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring,
Those children all flew into the arms of their King…

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below…
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe…
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!

“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back this nation. I’m taking back the schools!
“Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“Come now my children let me show you around.

“Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran…
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
In the midst of this darkness, “I am still the Light.”

--Author Unknown

It’s been three days since the heartbreaking tragedy thattook place at Sandy Hook Elementary School,  Friday morning.  Though God works all things to good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28) we may wonder, what possible good can come out of the slaying of 28 people, most who were children? While it seems like no good could possibly come from such a horrific tragedy, consider these 4 ways God brings about good in devastating circumstances. 

1. Tragedy moves us to pray all the more and pour out our hearts before God.

After thousands of people died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 I remember praying with a co-worker about it while we were on break outside our training center. A man sitting in his truck saw us praying, got out, and walked over to us asking if he could pray with us, too.  I don’t know if that man was a believer, but regardless God brings good from tragic events by moving people to pray whether they already have an active prayer life, or are just now praying for the first time in their life. Though prayer is not allowed in public schools, I have a feeling a lot of teachers and children this week in public schools have been offering up prayers to God.  Tragedy increases our prayer life, and the depth of our prayers.

2. Tragedy reminds us to not take our loved ones for granted.

When everything is going well, it is easy to assume we will always have our loved ones in our life. But after this horrific shooting, we are reminded that life is short, and tomorrow is promised to no one. 

3. Tragedy spurs us to be in God Word even more and search the Scriptures for answers.

When horrible things happen, we want answers. When there is no rhyme or reason to why something horrible has happened, we, as believers,  are moved to dig into our Bible and look for encouraging verses to give us hope—and then to give hope to others through those encouraging verses we’ve found.  A promise that is encouraging me regarding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is Psalm 103:6, “The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." Not only are we moved to search the scriptures for answers, but just as people who’ve never prayed, often are moved to pray in times of great distress, many people who don’t read the Bible are much more apt to pick one up and read hoping to find something that can explain why something happened, or some words of comfort they can be encouraged by.  I wonder how many people who have never read the Bible have turned to one this week in light of the unthinkable shooting. 

4. Tragedy fills us with compassion for others, and moves us to do what we can to help.

I believe we are never so full of compassion for others than when we see others suffering a great loss. When I see the Sandy Hook families grieving the loss of their sweet children, grandkids, nieces, and nephews they lost, it really helps me put my “trials” into perspective, and moves me to want to do something reach out to the hurting families—pray for them, send them a card, etc. whatever may ease their burden and give them hope. 

While I don’t know why God allows certain things to happen, because His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts, higher than my thoughts,  I know God’s heart and His character, and I am confident He is going to bring about amazing good from this tragedy, as only He can.   

 

Question for you: What other ways do you see God working tragedy to good? 

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Copyright © 2012 Brooke Espinoza.