When we hear the word “tragedy,” many images come to mind. For some, it may be the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For others, it’s the personal devastation of a cancer diagnosis or the sorrow of losing loved ones in a sudden accident. Tragedy naturally prompts us to ask, “Why did God allow this?”
As Christians, we must confront a crucial truth: a crisis reveals what is in us—whether faith and resilience or fear and despair. The Bible calls us to face trials with the same faith and praise with which we receive blessings. Romans 8:28 reassures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This promise does not remove suffering but gives it meaning within God’s sovereign plan.
Fitting Into God’s Plan, Not the Other Way Around
A natural inclination is to fit God into our lives—attending church on Sundays, giving offerings, and going through motions that fit our schedules. But this mindset needs reorienting. Instead of squeezing God into our lives, we must humbly acknowledge that He is fitting us into His grand plan. His purposes transcend our understanding and are revealed in Scripture.
The Bible forewarns believers that life will include hardships, poverty, and even persecution. Yet it is precisely in these moments of suffering and service that God’s love and grace shine brightest. Christ is our ultimate example. Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. His life was one of suffering, rejection, and ultimate victory. If we follow Him, our journey will mirror His, marked by trials and ultimate glory as we are raised with Him.
Trusting in God Amid Unanswered Questions
The story of Job offers profound insight into tragedy. Job was a man of deep faith and integrity, yet God allowed him to suffer unimaginable loss. When Job demanded answers, God responded with questions that revealed Job’s limited understanding. Paraphrasing from Job 38–41, God essentially asked, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Can you command the morning or set the stars in place? Do you provide food for the raven or know the mysteries of creation?” These questions remind us of God’s unfathomable wisdom and sovereignty.
Job’s response is humbling: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 42:3). Job learned what we must also grasp: it is better to know God than to know all the answers. In our trials, we may not understand the “why,” but we can trust the “Who.” God’s purposes, like a kaleidoscope, are intricate and beautiful, though not always visible to us.
Reflecting Christ in Tragedy
Rather than being consumed by questions of “why,” Christians are called to reflect Christ through their trials. Tragedy provides unique opportunities to glorify God—by trusting Him, proclaiming the Gospel, and serving others, even those who mistreat us. These are the conditions where God’s love is most powerfully displayed.
Ultimately, we are not defined by our suffering but by our identity in Christ. Just as Christ endured the cross and is now exalted at God’s right hand, so believers will share in His resurrection and reign with Him. This eternal perspective allows us to accept both blessings and tragedies with gratitude, knowing they are part of His unfolding plan of redemption.
Finding Comfort in God’s Sovereignty
If you are facing tragedy, take comfort in Job’s encounter with God. When overwhelmed by the “why,” remember that God’s power, wisdom, and love are unmatched. He holds the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of your life in His hands. Trusting Him, even without full understanding, is an act of faith that honors His sovereignty.
As we live out our faith, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, embracing both joy and sorrow with the confidence that God is working all things for His glory and our ultimate good.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
