When explanations fall short

     I just spent the last few days praying for and visiting my father who, at 82, spent nearly a week in the hospital with pneumonia.  I know others who are facing struggles with mobility; from backs to bones to joints.  I know some who have undiagnosed pain and physical symptoms that the doctor can’t find a source for.  Of course, I haven’t even mentioned those who are struggling with personal issues that are not of a physical nature. Then came this morning.  I watched in horror (as I'm sure you did) as the news reports came in about the tragedy in Colorado. As of this writing of this post, there are 12 dead and 59 more injured; many critically.  It has the potential to be the greatest loss of life of its kind in a very long time. There are no explanations for something like this.
     Perhaps some words of encouragement are in order.
     First, I want to remind you that you are not alone.  Even Paul, the great missionary statesman, struggled with fear and despair.  I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthian believers about his affliction while he was in Asia.  He said that the team was “so utterly burdened beyond [their] strength that [they] despaired of life itself.” (2 Cor. 1:8)  Then there is the passage I quoted above.  Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” tormented him.  It was like a continual punch in the face.  You are in good company when you suffer; even in times of tragedy.
     The second (and more important) word of encouragement is the answer that God gave Paul when he was facing physical struggles.  After all, “misery loves company” only goes so far, right?  God didn’t take away Paul’s struggle.  He promised him His presence and His grace.  Jesus told His disciples that He would be with them always.  When life is difficult…even traumatic, we are driven to the one who has always offered His presence to us.  When we are facing that which is beyond our ability to endure, as Paul did, and as our friends in Colorado are doing right now, we begin to learn a new perspective on suffering.  Suffering itself isn’t good, but the presence of God and the grace of God to enable us to move through a time of suffering provide a benefit to us that is not gained in any other way.
     Maybe we should write a new credit card commercial.  Trials and difficulties: painful.  Sickness and infirmity: dreadful.  Discouragement and Depression: heart wrenching.  The presence and grace of God: priceless.  This is not to minimize the struggles of life, but to magnify the grace of God.  He is allowing these circumstances in your life to draw you closer to Himself.  He is giving you the opportunity to experience His grace in your life in a way you have never imagined.  As I once read in a booklet from Radio Bible Class, “we cry out for complete answers, God offers Himself instead.”
     I have prayed today for those in Aurora.  I'm sure you have done the same.  We should pray for those around us who are struggling and suffering.  If we have opportunity to reach out with assistance to encourage them; we should do it.  If you are one who is in the middle of it right now; look to Jesus who offers you his presence.  And watch what God does in you and through you during this time and as a result of it.  He is with you and he offers you his grace and his presence…perhaps more now than at any other time.  It is not an explanation; it is an opportunity to run for shelter and receive encouragement and strength to endure.