“Today, I saw a man die.”
The text message was from my 21-year-old son who was literally on the other side of the world from me, in Vietnam. He then told about an accident where he saw a motorcycle rider thrown from his bike, smashed his skull, and bled to death. Chris’ 10 months as a missionary to nearly a dozen countries had produced many interesting and nerve-racking messages home, but nothing as startling as this. The message then went on to relate a story he had just heard about a one and a half-year-old little girl having to watch her parents physically and verbally abuse each other. It was his goddaughter, and he was half a world away, unable to help at all. His message ended this way, “and somehow I still had a great day. I think that means I am crazy. Or have joy. Or both…”
How can someone have a good day after watching someone else die a violent death then hearing such a heartbreaking story of abuse between husband and wife, in front of an innocent child. It sounds crazy. The world, including our children, and even us, often ask “how can a loving God allow such tragedy, such pain?” How can we have joy in a world so full of strife? The answer is… HOPE. We have hope. We know that there is a God who sees beyond our temporary pain. There’s a God who allows us to have the free will to choose to follow Him, or go our own way, and He loves us enough to let us face the consequences of either decision. We have hope because we know He faced the battles of life and won. “Be of good cheer.” He conquered torturous death on the cross and defeated it, then rose to life again. He offers us that new life; a life without pain or suffering or death. We have joy because we know our life may be painful, and will end, but our eternal life, if we choose him as Lord and Savior will be one of never ending joy. Knowing that gives us HOPE. He is the source of our joy.