WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES.....

What a tragic week!!! Just when I was getting ready to enjoy the last few days of sunshine before fall kicks in, nature ruined it. While I have been praying fervently for all those who have been affected, I have also been pondering. Every time a tragedy strikes, I end up getting forwarded emails that say 'God is punishing us for some other people's sins' (I don't want to name it). It saddens me. Frankly, all of are sinners. There is no such thing called big sin or small sin. Sin is sin. All of us commit it. 

While I am not a theologian or a prophet to tell you whether God is punishing us or not, I can tell you one important thing. He loves you and me. More than you can imagine. He cries with you when you suffer. He wants to comfort you. Then why does he allow disasters like this? I wish I could be honest and rude and tell you that He wants to correct you for your sins. That would only make you run away from Him. Why would you want to believe in a God who appears to destroy you? 

He allows sufferings because that is how you and I can be molded - like gold and sliver. There is no other way to add true beauty to your life. The true beauty which is a result of hardship, losses and pains. The beauty that will never fade and bring hope to others. Disasters like this remind us how fragile we are. All our dreams and plans are in vain. It reminds us to live in the present - faithfully. It reminds us that we are not defined by our status, possessions and achievements.  When a disaster strikes, all your life's hard work will be ruined in an instant but what remains is a faithful heart. A heart that is molded by the potter and is ready to face anything - whether its continuing to be on this earth to fulfill His will or ready to face death and enter eternal life. And 'eternal life' is the only reason I share about Christ with you. It's not about conversion. It's because I love you and I want to see you on the other side when tragedy strikes. Stay blessed!