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Why do tragedies happen?

A devotion for difficult times

The past few months we have heard, read and viewed the horrific results of mass shootings across the nation. The nation has faced more than 250 mass shootings in 2022 alone.

As I ponder how this could happen, I also question how could God allow this to happen and continue to happen? I’m sure many of us have faced the same struggle.

It is tempting to try to get answers to these questions. However, these questions are not answerable. The key to finding peace and comfort with these tragedies is to focus on God’s love for us and knowing he is the wisest, most powerful and most faithful God. He will not forsake us. 

God promised never to leave us: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all of the days of life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).

He is committed to making even the worst moments in life result in good as it is written in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

He will give us everything we need to face whatever darkness we encounter in this world, even death. While we cannot begin to understand the reasons for these senseless tragedies, we need to rely on our faith of God’s promise to us and know he will never forsake us.

During all these dark moments, we need to remember and know we can always find signs of God’s presence and love. It is alright to grieve during these difficult times, but we also need to remain thankful. Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

As we continue to deal with these tragedies, our faith must remain strong. We must continue to pray for healing, comfort, peace, love and forgiveness, as well as thank God for all our many blessings.

Written by Criselda Cuevas, director of administration and operations in the Rio Grande Valley for Buckner International.

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