If you don’t know, former running University of Alabama runnin back Siran Stacy was involved in an automobile accident where his wife and four of his five children were killed.  Now the title of this post may cause you some consternation.  But the title is a quote from a question the Apostles ask Jesus about a man who was born blind as found in John 9:1-7

  Before you read any further… the accident involving  Siran Stacy that killed his wife and four of his five children had NOTHING to do with God punishing Mr. Stacy, his wife, his children, or the other driver.  God does NOT work that way!  You can click here to read an article about the tragedy.

  So how are we as believers in Christ to understand such things as this?  How are we to answer people who say, “If your God is so good and loving, explain why he would let or cause something like this!”

  First I suggest you read a couple of things I’ve written previously regarding tragic events by clicking herehere… and here.  These studies and messages will answer the greatest majority of questions about how to understand events that turn our world upside down.

  Now for a few other thoughts…

  1. None of us ever knows when something like this may strike us instead of reading about it.  THEREFORE my constant encouragement is to know God well… walk with Him… and prepare for the day that might come your way that you don’t know is coming.

  2. The reason for #1 above is that when an event such as with the Stacy family hits… we go into shock and autopilot.  At that time what is in the depth of your heart is what you will fall back on.  Consider Proverbs 24:10, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

  3. Repeated numerous times, but bears repeating…  “Just because we don’t see how something can be good doesn’t mean it isn’t good.”

  4. #3 above does not ever need to be told to anyone who is in the midst of a tragedy.  To do so would be cold and calloused.  It is better left for a point when they have healed from the devistating event.

  5. Cherish every moment you have with your family and friends.  Unless Jesus comes back first, all of our lives will come to an end… then is eternity.

  6. Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your pathways straight.”

Brothers and sisters… either God is good all the time or He isn’t.  He is God… we’re not.  He can be trusted.  God is love… even in tragedy.  I close with what the prophet wrote in Habakkuk 3:17-19…

  Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.  God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.