BGEA: We lost almost everything we owned in a flood a few months ago, and it has really been hard on us. I know I ought to have more faith that God is going to sort it all out, but the truth is we're depressed and almost overwhelmed. Why did God let this happen to us?

We lost almost everything we owned in a flood a few months ago, and it has really been hard on us. I know I ought to have more faith that God is going to sort it all out, but the truth is we're depressed and almost overwhelmed. Why did God let this happen to us? — Mrs. W.G.

Not long after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, my son Franklin and I toured some of the most devastated areas and talked with many of the survivors. Like you, most of them had lost everything, and I could barely imagine what they had experienced.

I couldn't tell them why God had allowed such a terrible tragedy to take place - because I honestly didn't know. But I could tell them the same thing I would tell you: God knew what had happened to them, and He cared for them and wanted to help them. Even when nothing seems to be going right, God hasn't abandoned us, and we can trust Him to see us through the hard times. The Bible's words are true: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail" (Lamentations 3:22).

Commit your life - and your future - to Christ. Then ask Him to give you the strength you need to meet this challenge. Don't dwell on the past or on what you lost; dwell instead on the future, and on what God has for you in the days and years ahead. It isn't easy, I know - but "The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made" (Psalm 145:13).

In addition, take time to thank God for all that you do have. You could have lost your family - but you didn't. Most of all you have hope, both for this life and the life to come.

25 Comments

Theresa says 8.26.2011, 9:55 p.m.

God is Love. I know how much he loves us by how much love I feel inside.

Dee says 5.31.2011, 4:03 p.m.

God has set in place natural laws that he doesn't intervene with!! Like the sun rising and setting. If it were His will he would change it but its not. Because of this we all have circumstances that we endure "just because". It is our fortune that we have a God we can pray to in our times of need and distress. And we are able to call on His name to help us out of bad situations and provide what we need.

Patrick says 3.31.2011, 9:11 p.m.

God gives gifts to all. Life does separate from safe paths and individuals do suffer misfortunes alone or with other persons. As a Christian I may not to take the physical things that I purchased in this earthly life to heaven when I pass from death to the new life in heaven. But the gifts that God gives to me as an individual, I will be able too, such as the gifts of trust and wisdom. As a Christian, I experience the Ministry of God everyday from the creation of new life to the destructive forces of nature. The spiritual gifts that are from God are the only gifts that I will be able to take with me to heaven when I am called. I will be able to use these precious spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ. For doing good deeds in my earthly life and being attentive to God’s voice to guide me to the resurrection of life, John 5:29 NAB, God’s spiritual gifts guarantee me a better life in God’s Ministry in heaven. I believe that I do get to bring God’s spiritual gifts that He gave me to heaven to use for my benefit and not only for my personal benefit, but for the good of others too. I can now use these gifts to improve my life, such as use my gifts of trust and wisdom to better fortify my life from any future misfortunes or calamity by building my “[t]rust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal rock.” Isaiah 26:4 NAB.

Catherine says 3.30.2011, 9:24 p.m.

My family needs God's intervention to reunite all as we once were, but I know all I can do is put them in God's hands and trust Him to mend broken relationships and I KNOW He is able

Dave says 3.30.2011, 2:01 p.m.

John 9:3 is telling, in part, of what the power and will of our God is, as spoken by His Son.What pain and suffering we do not bring upon ourselves as a result of our free will as well as that which is circumstance, is not a "why" but rather a "watch". I do not write this from Mrs. W G's perspective but I do pray her sorrow's relief in the promises of our living God.

Wayne says 3.30.2011, 1:13 p.m.

We all go through things, mark I said "THROUGH", we are not stuck in these times. This to shall pass. There always is light at the end of the tunnel, even if the tunnel seems long. God is faithful, we will not be put through more than we can handle. This life is good and wonderful, only a foretaste of the glory that awaits us in Jesus Christ. Hold fast, GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. I have been through alot of family and personal struggles, but I always see some one who has it worse off. Not that is good, but help others in your time of need, and I know this will help you to see this truth. Pray for God to strengthen you and all people as we see "The day of his return, It is close."

Jeff says 3.30.2011, 11:07 a.m.

Mrs. W G we are praying for you!

Steve says 3.30.2011, 09:11 a.m.

One should always remember that in the beginning all was perfect. Once man sinned, all was not perfect anymore. We cannot blame God for all the tragedies of the world. I look forward to the day when all will be restored. In a sense, I am living it now...why? Because I have the Comforter within and, as the song goes...."It is well with my soul."

Edward says 3.30.2011, 07:31 a.m.

We humans do not know God's plan nor understand His sense of time and love: but thank God for the strength to we have. All glory goes to God.

Wally says 3.30.2011, 06:48 a.m.

God is always faithful no matter my circumstances. He revealed much of His security to me during a serious illness my wife went though 2 years ago. Psalm 73 and 2 Cor 4. Trusting in the Lord, He is always with us. This life is not about us only but about the Glory of God shining forth..current troubles are temporary while heaven is eternal!

grace says 3.30.2011, 05:25 a.m.

We are in the world that is beyond our control. Sometimes we see the progress and we are like we are in charge, but the truth is we are in the world of uncertainties which in one way or the other affects our livelihood. Jesus in response to his disciples tells them if they can have as little faith like a mustard seed.... lets pray and ask God to increase our faith amidst all

Sharon says 3.30.2011, 03:28 a.m.

The book of Isaiah really tells us a lot of things about God and His plans, and why He does what He does. Our Sovereign Lord is in control of all things. To know Him better, please read Isaiah carefully.

Daniel says 3.29.2011, 8:49 p.m.

Martin is right: we live in a sin-cursed world. Evil is real, but Jesus won the victory over death and hell for those who belong to Him. Romans 8:28 is one of the Bible's greatest promises. I have seen God use it wonderfully in my life. Read it, believe it, embrace it. God will see you through.

Jeannie says 3.29.2011, 8:38 p.m.

Romans 8:28 applies in ALL circumstances. I'm confidently waiting to see His purpose in things that have been hard to bear--the death of our beautiful, brilliant 14-year-old son after a year battling leukemia is probably the most heart-wrenching. Nothing I have is really mine, you know. I'm His, and everything in my hands and everyone in my heart He has entrusted to me for care and stewardship. I'll remember Dennis' comment; the bottom is indeed solid if I am grounded on the Solid Rock.

Dorothy says 3.29.2011, 8:20 p.m.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Dennis says 3.29.2011, 6:34 p.m.

I recall reading of a pastor who had walked through the loss of his young daughter to a disease. He wrote the following to a friend, "We have hit bottom, and the bottom is solid." I have been helped by that. It is an admission that we hurt deeply and grieve as any human should, but in Christ we find that the "bottom" is the solid Rock of our Lord.

Janice says 3.29.2011, 6:29 p.m.

22 years ago I had a son born with 2 incurable birth defects, one of the liver and one of the heart. He had liver surgery at 6 wks and open heart at 6 yrs. When he was 8 wks old we were told he only had a 2 chance to make it through the night. That night I gave him back to the Lord along with my 3 older children. I ask God to do His will but of course as a mother I was selfish and ask for my son to live, but please not to a life of suffering. The next morning when the doctors came in to examine my son, it was like nothing had been wrong at all. Still the doctors had said he would need a transplant in the future. I told his doctor that God had healed my son and he told me he was sorry but God didn't do that any more. I was shocked at his reply, but told him that my God still was in the business of miracles. My son is now 22 and doctors cannot explain why but everything checks out normal. If this wasn't proof enough for his doctor that God still creates miracles, I don't know what will. Every time I go through hard times, I have to remind myself of the miracles God has blessed me and my family with. I thank God for all His many blessing every day.

Janice says 3.29.2011, 6:27 p.m.

"Though trials come yet I will not fear, living for Jesus, He is near." I am writing this not only as a reminder for you but for me as well. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Cor. 2:9

Marie says 3.29.2011, 4:23 p.m.

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2007. Needless to say, I was devastated and so frightened of the unknown, and the suffering I was going to endure. A preacher came and talked to me. He said God does not want us to be afraid and he told me of the pain and suffering that Jesus had endured. A lightbulb went off in my head. I thought all these years you have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you know if you have true faith, you will fear nothing. From that moment on, my fear was gone. I trusted totally in him. When I would have an ache or pain, I would think of Jesus, and the terrible suffering he endured, and realized that my pain could never compare to his. I thank God every day for making me stronger in my faith, and my love and devotion to him.

Tim says 3.29.2011, 4:14 p.m.

Amen about HE is THERE to bear us UP; His will always is to RESCUE, to COMFORT, to REDEEM, to EDIFY, to STRENGTHEN our FAITH through every trial."Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12,13 AV)Think of this; Bad is not good, BUT many COME MORE FULLY TO CHRIST in every disaster, Ironically most of us do not really draw NEAR to GOD in the spirit, until we are FORCED to do so; even with some, it's more like we are blown away by a disaster and we don't even consider the choice, but when we awaken later, God seems nearer and we seem more loving."And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:28)

Merri Lee says 3.29.2011, 3:45 p.m.

If someone would have asked me 4 yrs ago, what do picture you life to be like in 4 yrs? I more than likely would have said, I see my children grown, grandchildren in the future and my husband and I serving God together. Oh how different my life really is, I am still reeling from the trials and pain of the last 4 yrs. My husband has abandoned our family, my oldest daughter is in prison and I am raising her son, with a lot of help from his maternal Grandma and his father. It takes everything I have each day to keep a close relationship with our Lord, to keep my FAITH when my pain seems to much to bear. Praise God for my family, my church family too!! and for ministries like BGEA. May God continue to bless BGEA!!!

Ann says 3.29.2011, 3:06 p.m.

God is our "Rock and he is our Salvation". Without him we can do nothing. But with him we can conquer and do all he promises. Amen!

Shirley says 3.29.2011, 3:04 p.m.

Sometimes God use nature to get our attention. Instead of asking the question, why did God let this happen, praise Him for what He has done in the past, magnify Him in the Present and glorify Him for what He is going to do in the future. God is still the same and His love, He exemplifies it everyday. Remember, God is love. Don't look at your circumstance but look at the Creator.

mary says 3.29.2011, 2:38 p.m.

I can tell you that is so true. Some years ago we lost all worldly goods and I wanted todie. But a wonderful pastor helped us and today I can say without reservation it was the best thing that ever happened to us.I have thanked God daily for being there andfor looking to what we do have in family friends and faith. Mary

Martin says 3.29.2011, 2:27 p.m.

There is an irony in the way man sees and does not seem to understand God´s just acts in situation like that. The crux is that God will never desire to have his people hurt and/or destroyed by natural disaster. However, He is still in control even when things like that hurricane happen. When we are affected we hit rock bottom with our emotions, but my question is: Aren't we living in a dead sin-cursed world even today 2000 years after Calvary. I can only learn from this that God´s mercy and compassion aren´t that cheap that I can throw them around and tell people that God is love. He is, but he also has some other aspects of our lives which He intents to clarify. Yes, it is tragic and my heart goes out to the families affected and in ruin, but let´s give God a chance to show what greater things He can do to show His steadfast love.