Shock Waves

I couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t.

First, it was an email.

Pray for this family.

Confused, I shot a quick prayer to heaven asking for safety and comfort for the family, unsure as to what was going on.

Then I shot a quick text to my friend.

I’m praying, I said, is something wrong?

Yes. Something was very wrong.

Her father had died that morning.

Before I really knew it I was on my knees, crying, hands clenched together, talking to God once again.

Dead? Dead?! How could this man be dead? I just saw him playing basketball with his youngest kids last week at the gym. How is he dead?

I found out later that it was a heart attack.

But in the moment, my sinful nature fed on the shock and I asked the God of the Universe, my Father, traitorous questions.

Why did he have to die? Why did you let him die? What is his family going to do? Why, God? WHY.

My friends, a pair of sisters, had just been at my house the day before. We’d played and talked and joked and then they’d left and we’d gone about our business.

And now everything is different.

Thankfully, the Lord has shown me my sin. We can ask why, but we cannot demand explanations from God. We cannot say that He is not fair or not just.

Just because this looks like the worst possible thing that could happen does not mean that it is. Even if I cannot see it right now. Even if my friends and their mom and siblings cannot see it.

We know, and we believe beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man’s death was not a surprise to God.

It still hurts and I cannot image what this family is feeling. I know I am going crazy because there’s nothing I can do.

I cannot bring my friends’ dad back.

And yet…

And yet he is in perfect peace, being there in Heaven with the Prince of Peace.

And yet this family has friends who are rallying around them, ready to help, already praying, and prepared to do anything they can to help.

Psalm 112:1-9

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!

His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is will with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.

For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.

He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.

My friends, I am praying this piece of Scripture for you. We are all praying for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.

-Sarah