WHY?

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

Yesterday, a young Christian lost his life in a motorcycle accident in a small, yet tight knitted, community. Cody was an admired and loved young man and has directly touched many of our lives. Church members, family, and friends are in shock and saddened by the sudden departure of Cody from this life. Some are grieving the death of this loved one.

It is natural to question why God allows disasters and tragedies. After all, He is the Creator of all things and can stop things from happening at any time. Proverbs 30: 4 states He “…has gathered the wind in His fists…has wrapped the waters in His garment.” So why is suffering allowed?

I do not pretend to assume the mind of God in these things. I claim what Scripture tells me and know to be true. Tragic events cause us to acknowledge this is our temporary home and turn our hearts toward eternity. Loved ones can be gone in the blink of an eye and those with whom we spoke yesterday can be in eternity tomorrow. We are forced to think of what has eternal value and reevaluate what is important.

Suffering brings compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). When we have experienced tragedy we are better able to comfort others when they go through the same trials. We can minister and share the Good News with those looking for answers and rescue through difficulties. Often this results in people coming to know Christ through salvation.

Losing a loved one just may be the hardest thing about the lives we live. When you lose someone, you feel as though there is an empty spot in your life. Sometimes it gets filled and sometimes you learn to just remember them whenever you feel the hole.

We humans form an emotional bond with one other, it may be on purpose or solely by chance, but the bond is inevitable and this results in taking certain people in our lives for granted. We assure ourselves that whatever is said and done, each of them is going to be there forever. The empty space left behind can be filled with wonderful memories!

Knowing our loved one was a believer and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, helps us to know that we will see them again. So, as we remember them, remember those great memories and they will forever be alive in our hearts.

We will miss you, Cody! But... we will see you again!