Bad things happen in this fallen world, often as a consequence of our bad decisions or those of others. It could be an “Act of God”, meaning it was one of nature’s destructive forces. Irrespective of the cause we feel sadness, loss, disappointment, disruption, hurt, and a host of very real emotions. We respond differently based on our individual preferences, experience, history and faith. What we believe can be seen in pain and hurt. If we do not believe in monsters they don’t hurt us, but if we believe somebody hates us we feel emotion whether they actually do or not.  “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.” (Ps. 143:8-9) In the midsts of tragedy, against which we have no strength, our faith can be tested and proven as gold or examined and shown to be weak.

It’s seems too hard to pray because the solution seems impossible, even to conceive, let alone speak about. Faith is at an ebb, how can help come, where is relief, how can God move men, institutions and events in the past which sparked tragedy in this present moment. The future looks dismal. Can I pray Lord fix everything the way it was without all the wickedness we chose and resulting disaster? What is your word in this crisis? “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.” (Psalms 37:39-40) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:9-10) I remembered it was the Father who took his son to Yeshua, and Yeshua cast out the Evil Spirit. When Yeshua encountered evil Spirits they cowered before Him and He cast them out, even from a man who could break chains and lived in the tombs. He gave this authority to the disciples. How Lord, is your authority received and manifested? How can we get to you with our loved ones? He was there in the midst of tragedy and remains near us. We find Him through submission, surrender and contrition produced by faith. Like the man who was weak and cried out, “Lord help my unbelief”, the Lord is gracious.r