Also, through trials and tribulations, we are able to mature in our faith. As difficult as this situation may be, there will be many who have the opportunity to come to God or grow in their faith as a result of these devastating tsunamis. James 1:12 tells us that “blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
What an encouragement it is to know that when the dark trials of life are over, Jesus stands ready to present His children with the “crown of life”—eternal life, free of tragedy, heartache, and loss. This is a promise the world needs to hear right now.
For those dealing directly with the situation, answers may seem impossible to find and confusion may rule the hour, but God will provide a way out of this tragedy, regardless of the bleakness of the current situation. Second Corinthians 1:4 tells us that He “will comfort us in all our affliction.” As believers, we can rest in knowing that catastrophic tragedy is not beyond the Lord’s scope of comfort.
And that is the most encouraging truth you can rest on. God can take the darkest, most devastating event and use it for His glory. (1 Peter 4:12-13) For example, no event seemed darker than Christ’s death on the cross, yet through His sacrifice we are able to gain salvation. In that, the greatest tragedy became the greatest triumph. That is how God works sometimes.
For some, though, difficult answers may simply not come. It is then that our faith is truly tested. How much are we willing to lean on God when our human minds can’t comprehend His ways?
To this, Oswald Chambers writes: “Will He find the kind of faith that counts on Him in spite of the confusion? Stand firm in faith, believing that what Jesus said is true, although in the meantime you do not understand what God is doing. He has bigger issues at stake than the particular things you are asking of Him now.”
May those of you who were in any way affected by this devastating tragedy reach out to the Lord. Place your trust in Him and allow your faith to be strengthened.
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