Dr. Robert Smith’s family has been given a hard providence. His son was tragically killed this past weekend (Click here for article). Dr. Smith is a Professor at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, AL. His son was living in Cincinnatti with his grandmother to take care of her. He was shot after having difficulty opening the cash register where he worked when the business was being robbed. Obviously the Smith family needs the comfort of God’s Holy Spirit in their time of grief (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
I don’t have a point of reference for such a tragedy. I can’t imagine the heart ache of Dr. Smith and his family. Life can change so quickly… so unexpectedly… in ways we never would have imagined. This reminds me that each day we have is a gift from God. Each moment we have in God’s creation is a blessing. And that the Christian’s sorrow is not like the rest of the world that has no hope.
Then I am reminded that it is as we walk with God we are better able to flee to the throne when unexpected events make their way into our life. The closer we are to God, the quicker we are by His side when we need Him.
Keep the Smith family in your prayers…