BGEA: Our 6-year-old boy died of leukemia last year, and I can't believe in a God who would do that to us.

I used to believe in God but I don't anymore. Our 6-year-old boy died of leukemia last year, and I can't believe in a God who would do that to us. I'm willing to listen to what you'll say, but I admit I'm bitter and can't see any reason to change my mind. — Mrs. A.B.

My heart goes out to you, for I doubt if anything is more painful and heartrending to a parent than losing a child. Over the years, I have seen it happen to some of my closest friends, and I know the heartache they have suffered.

But the most important thing I can say to you is that God's heart goes out to you. God knows what you are going through, and He understands the emotions that have overwhelmed you. After all, God knows what it is like to lose a child, for His only Son was nailed to a cross. The Bible says, "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (Psalm 103:8). Even if you don't believe in Him, that does not alter His love for you.

No, I don't know why things like this happen, nor will we ever fully understand them until we get to heaven. But I do know this: God didn't cause your son's leukemia, nor did He take delight in His death. We live in a world that has been touched by evil and sin, and life is often hurtful. Jesus wept as He stood by the grave of His friend Lazarus (see John 11:35).

I also know this: It is far better to turn to God when tragedy strikes than to turn away from Him. God loves you, and He wants to comfort and help you. His promise is true: "I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow" (Jeremiah 31:13). Don't turn away from Him, but by faith open your heart to Christ.

5 Comments

Joann says 5.1.2012, 3:45 p.m.

I have spent many years trusting God. Unfortunately, I have lost my faith in him. When I look back over my life I was in total denial, because I never questioned him, but now all i do is that. So I no longer believe that anything will ever change.

Erin says 6.5.2011, 11:24 a.m.

I lost my stepdaughter in a terrible accident almost three months ago. My husband and I are dealing with a lot right now. We both believe in God and know that we will see her again one day. The grief is unbearable some days, but we know that God will comfort us in this time of sorrow.

Scott says 2.26.2011, 10:37 p.m.

I lost my 4 yr old son, 18 yrs ago in an accident. The pain is still as deep as the day it happened. I have two thoughts on his death. First, my only comfort was knowing the Lord was with him. Second, I had a dream that Jesus said to me, "I will take away your pain, but I will also take your memory of him." Clearly there is no choice, I have this pain because I have my love for him. That is what keeps me going. So how can I be angry with God, He gave him to me to love.

Nancy says 1.18.2011, 1:21 p.m.

My son passed at the young age of 13. Very suddenly and unexpected. I prayed for a miracle that day and said, "Lord, if its your will." A miracle did happen, through the passing of my son, many hearts were changed and people came to know Christ. I miss my son dearly, but would not change anything. I will see Alex again, and I will also see those who have come to know Christ. I give God the glory for these miracles.

Marsha says 1.13.2011, 4:48 p.m.

I lost my 32 year old daughter 5 years ago. I believe Jesus died for my sins, died and was resurrected and lives in Heaven as my daughter did also. I look forward to when it's my turn to go to Heaven and have Jesus wipe away my tears because I grieve daily for her. I wish God's promise was enough to take away this grief, but it doesn't replace the closeness I had with her and my loneliness for her. My sadiness is taking over my life. What do I do?