Where is God during tragedy? He's present, holding us up 'with My righteous right hand'
In the past few weeks our community has been struck by the tragic loss of two young lives: Bre McKean of Mapleton along with Andre Harrison of Ashland. Both of these young people were seniors at their local schools and taken from this earth far too soon.
As a community, allow me to offer our condolences to these families along with our continued prayers and support, the days ahead will be equally challenging as the days past.
As a local pastor and the current president of the Ashland County Ministerial Association, I would like to express my appreciation to the many pastors, counselors and wonderful volunteers who have rallied to help, support and love on the family, students, and teachers during these difficult days. Ashland is a strong, loving and compassionate community where we are all proud to call home.
If I may, many will ask the big question: Where is God in all of this tragedy? The short answer: He is right here among us. Isaiah 4:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
God’s presence shows up through the lives of believers, pastors and godly counselors (the ministry of presence). His touch is felt through the same embrace as well (the ministry of actions). Then there’s the prayers of saints everywhere (the ministry of faith).
It's through these ministries of godly people that God feels near to those in mourning and pain. It's godly people who become the Right Hand of the Father in times like these.
Church, allow these song lyrics from Stuart Townsend to remind us:
O Church, arise, and put your armour on;Hear the call of Christ our Captain.For now the weak can say that they are strongIn the strength that God has given.With shield of faith and belt of truth,We’ll stand against the devil’s lies;An army bold, whose battle-cry is Love,Reaching out to those in darkness.
Dave McNeely is the pastor at New Life Community Church in Ashland.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Tragic loss in community: God is present, felt though embrace
