God works all things for good

Don Earlenbaugh
·2 min read

Our town has been struck by tragedy in recent days.

Two young people were struck down long before their time. Even though most of us had never met them, our hearts went out to their parents and loved ones.

I have had my own sorrow in that my wife of 54 years passed away a little over two months ago. We can determine the physical reason for their deaths, but why should it happen to us? And why now?

If you're looking for an answer, I must admit that I don't have one. There is a great deal of pain for all of us, but in the midst of that pain, I see some promise. We often quote the words of Saint Paul from Romans 8:28 (NIV), "And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him."

Don Earlenbaugh lights a candle for George Fox during the Four Chaplains Service held in February 2018 at Harrry Higgins Post 88.
Don Earlenbaugh lights a candle for George Fox during the Four Chaplains Service held in February 2018 at Harrry Higgins Post 88.

What that means for us is even though God did not pause the tragedy, He works in it to bring out something positive. I have seen the student bodies of numerous area high schools proclaim their solidarity with Mapleton as they struggle with their loss. Family, friends and church members have surrounded these families with love and support. A scholarship program has been set up in Bre's name as a result of the generosity of residents in our area.

These deaths have caused us to contemplate the frailty of our own lives and to wonder what we have done with our own time. These young people will not be soon forgotten. We no longer have their presence here on this earth, but that does not mean their lives are over.

Our Christian faith tells us that this life is preparation for a greater life to come.

We rest in that whether you're 18 or 82, all of our lives are in God's hands, and he loves us with an everlasting love. By faith in God's son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we know our loved ones are not lost forever. We have the hope in the reunion in God's presence.

This is the hope and the promise that I hold in my heart. This is the hope and promise I hold out for Bree and Andre's parents and loved ones. It is hope for any person who is seeking answers for life's pain.

Don Earlenbaugh is a retired Church of the Brethren pastor.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: God is faithful in even times of loss