When something so tragic happens, it is no wonder that it shatters our very existence and puts our faith to the ultimate test. It is not possible to imagine how the parents and close-relatives of the infant feel or how they can cope with such a tragedy.
We question our very God and, in anger perhaps, we tell Him "it is not fair", "it is not right that such a baby should die".
It is understandable and right to be angry with God in such circumstances. He can take our anger. After all, He took it when hanging there on the Cross.
He understands that our anger is the result of our frustration, our grief, and our bewildered confusion of the traumatic events that have befallen us. He understand that it is our grief expressing such feelings and not a rebellion against Him. He understands our instant reaction and, just like any loving parent, He forgives and continues to love us.
Our reaction in such events is perhaps no different to Martha's and Mary's reaction to the death of their brother Lazarus. You will recall that they rebuked Jesus for not being there to save Lazarus. John 11:3-7 onwards.
Our great pain and grief are further compounded if we have been praying for the sick child. "Why did God not answer our prayers?" we ask. "Does He not care?"
The reality is that God does care. Just as He cared when His only Son died a most horrible death on the Cross. Jesus may have felt abandoned at the time. That was His humanity speaking. Just like our humanity reacts to tragic events such as the death of a baby. But in all truth God was there on the Cross suffering the same agony as Jesus did. Just like God is there, at the death of a baby, or of anyone of His beloved children.
We never know why God answers some prayers and not others. If God answered all prayers there would be no more funerals in the world. Our role in such circumstances is, as best we can, even if we do not understand, to accept His will. He never asked us to understand; only to trust Him that He knows what He is doing.
Our secondary role is to be there for the bereaved family and friends. To offer practical help if we can and our prayers and love. We should avoid such platitudes as "God wanted an Angel in Heaven", or "the baby is looking down on you with love ..." These do very little to alleviate the great pain the family are already suffering and add nothing to help in the situation.
There are no easy answers on how to react or behave in such circumstances. By just being there for the family, in silence even, we could offer more support than words can tell.
We never understand the "why?" it has happened. But the Good Lord has His reasons, and in all humility, (however difficult), we should accept it in good faith.
Perhaps such tragic events are an opportunity for all of us to pull together and support each other in such heartbreaking times.
Let us, in prayers and brotherly love, use such tragedies as an opportunity to help and support one another and live our example as children of God.
Such a sad story of the little baby Victor, I can not imagine how the family must feel. I am so glad that they have a blessed friend like Mevely. All we can do when this happens is give our love to the family, and pray that they will come through this very sad time. God bless.
ReplyDelete...this is hard to understand. 49 years ago one of our twins died after two days. I thinks of him dailey.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these words, Victor. I hope it brings comfort to others who've also found themselves in a similar situation. I look forward to sharing it with my friends. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read about this little guy on Mevely's post, my heart broke for this family. Thank you, Victor, for reminding us that God's heart broke, too. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading that on Mevely’s blog. So tragic but God loved that little guy even more. That was told to me after my son died. How could God possibly love my son more than his own mother? Because He knew Him before I knew He was to come. All I can think of is His ways are not ours and in our finite minds we cannot comprehend the infinite mind of God. It goes back to trusting Him and loving on those, like the parents so that one day, they will see their baby again.
ReplyDeleteI never liked the platitudes people would say to me - many were Christians. Show me in scripture that my son is now an angel. Show me in scripture that my son is watching over me. I let it pass because I know they’re well meaning but when do you inform them if ever?
When a small child dies it causes grief for lots of people. We can help by saying a prayer for the family and offer our help. It must be extremely hard for the family. My mother lost her first two newborns before I was born. She never talked about it to us and I can't imagine going through something like that.
ReplyDeleteOH yes my friend, I needed to be reminded, THANKS! You said it:
ReplyDelete......... He never asked us to understand; only to trust Him that He knows what He is doing.
I think there are many times when we ask why?
ReplyDeleteI like your words "Perhaps such tragic events are an opportunity for all of us to pull together and support each other in such heartbreaking times."
Over the years I have found that the support and strength that we can give, that we can offer to others is so helpful. We are not alone, although I know at times many think we are.
Good post and words Victor.
All the best Jan