How can we find hope when tragedy strikes when we’re least expecting it? Life sometimes delivers unexpected blows that leave us questioning everything. This past week was particularly difficult for our family as we gathered to celebrate the life of my husband’s cousin, who passed away suddenly and tragically at just 46 years old.
When Tragedy Strikes
There’s nothing like death to make you pause and take inventory of your life. In those quiet moments of reflection, the questions naturally arise: How am I spending my time? Who am I spending it with? Am I making the most of my life?
As we sat with family and friends, sharing memories and shedding tears, we found ourselves wrestling with the age-old question: Why would something like this happen to a young family? Why does God allow such heartbreak?
Finding Comfort in Scripture
In these moments of grief, the promise found in Romans 8:28 brought us such comfort:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse doesn’t promise that everything that happens is good—clearly, there is immense pain and suffering in our world. Rather, it assures us that God can work through all circumstances, even the most tragic ones, to ultimately bring about good.
The Mystery of God’s Purpose
While we may not understand the purpose behind death, addiction, job loss, or any of the difficult challenges life throws our way, faith means holding onto the belief that somehow, in ways we might not yet see, God is working in our painful situations toward something that will eventually reveal His greater purpose.
This is the core of our Christian hope: He will work FOR our good in all things.
The Victory That Sustains Us
The foundation of this hope is simple yet profound: Jesus is who He said He was. He defeated death and rose from the grave. If He can conquer death itself, He can certainly take anything terrible in our lives and redeem it for good.
An Invitation to the Table
If you’re carrying something heavy today—if this week didn’t go as planned or you’re struggling with something that feels insurmountable—know that you are welcome at the table to sit with Jesus and take communion with Him.
Whether it’s been years since you’ve stepped into a church or this is your very first time considering faith, remember: we’re one big family at The Village. And yes, family dinners can be messy. But God has taken on all our burdens and continues to invite us to bring them to Him.
Let’s gather together—in our grief, our questions, our hopes, and our faith—and be with our family and our Father. See you there Sunday.
Find hope today! The Village is dedicated to prayer and lifting our requests up to God, because He hears every one. How can we pray for you?
