Tragedy is something we all must deal with in life. The events in Haiti is a good example to us of God's gift of tragedy. Now you must think I'm insane to make such a statement. How could anyone's pain and suffering be a gift? How could the death and displacement of so many be a gift?
There are three points I want to make about tragedy. First, tragedy humbles us. When something tragic occurs, it shows us just how really powerless we truly are. There was nothing we could do to prevent that earthquake. There was nothing we could do to stop our loved ones from dying. There is nothing we can do to prevent any tragedy. Tragedy gives us the gift of humility. The second thing tragedy does for us is the gift of prayer. Tragedy leads us to pray. We are drawn into a need for God in our lives. We know we are powerless but we believe He has all the power we need. We are lead to pray for people we may not have prayed for otherwise. We may not have anything to give, but we almost always pray! Tragedy almost always brings out the gift of prayer. The third and most important point is LOVE! Tragedy almost always brings out love and compassion. This one should be easy for us to see. Tragic events in our personal lives helps us to relate to the tragic events of others. We know how it feels to be in pain, we know how it feels to suffer. This brings out the best in us, it brings out God's gift of love. Sometimes, we become so caught up in our own stuff, that we forget about the stuff other people are going through. The world gets too busy with it's stuff and forget that countries like Haiti were suffering way before any tragedy took place! We are not humble, not praying, not loving!
Tragedy is a gift from God to help us become more like Him. In reading the passage today it was clear to me what tragedy did to Jesus. The Bible said He was "moved with compassion" and He "healed their sick". The tragedy of those people's lives "stirred" the Lords' spirit and "moved" Him into action! Let us do the same! We don't have to wait until a tragedy to become humble,or to pray and show love to others. We get that chance everyday!!
People have come together from all over the world to help Haiti in this tragedy. Could it be a gift from God?
"Father, help us to see you in everything. Help us to humble ourselves,to pray for, and have love and compassion for others before any tragedy occurs. Father we know that any tragedy can be a gift for us, that it may help us to grow more in your likeness. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen"
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