Over the past 24 hours as we struggle to come to terms with the November 9 airplane tragedy that took the lives of eight outstanding Bahamians all of whom were gifted leaders and were making an incredible contribution to our nation and the world, the one question that keeps surfacing in the hearts and minds of those that are seeking counsel is this: Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Why did God allow Dr. Myles, Ruth, Dr. Rich, Manifest, Radel, Jojo, Captain Thurston and Frakhan to die in that crash? Why didnt God protect them as He said in His Word that He watches over us? Why? These are extremely riveting questions so allow me to share my thoughts regarding this nationally painful experience. I am always encouraged by what Dr. Myles taught me, Life is not measured by duration but rather by donation. Our assignment in life is to die, finished. By finished I mean dying completely empty, having achieved our God given purpose. Our goal is not to fill everyone elses cup but to empty our own cup. Could it be that Jesus died at age 33 because He was finished? Could it be that Martin Luther King died at age 39 because he was finished? Could it be that Myles Munroe died at age 60 because he was finished? Could it be that Jojo died at age 5 because he was finished? 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (New International Version) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. How are we supposed to respond to such tragedy? I am also encouraged by the fact that even though I may not understand why certain things occur; lifes painful experiences provide an opportunity for my faith and trust in God to be strengthened. Am I like the man who built his house upon the sand and when the storms of life come, my house is blown away because my foundation is weak? Or am I like the man who built his house upon the rock and when the storms come, his house remained standing? Wouldnt we all desire to build our house upon the rock, Jesus Christ? Lets learn to trust Him even when we cant trace Him. We must learn that God heals all broken hearts and makes all things beautiful in His time. Job 13:15 (New International Version) Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. For those of us who are in the faith, we weep in the hope that we will see them again. I can imagine Dr. Myles and Ruth holding hands and leaping through the grassy plains headed to church to a crazy Bahamian praise and worship service led by Mark. I can see Dr. Rich bursting into his infectious laugh as St Paul tells him a joke about a passage of scripture he taught at BFM. I can also see Captain Thurston and Frakhan inspecting an angels wing as they marvel at Gods aviation wonder. I can hear Jojo laughing and giggling as he is pulling his dad and mom, Lavard and Radel into his new room in their brand new mansion while Radel, holding their new born bady, completely blown away by whats around her, lovingly looks into Lavards eyes and says, For me. Yes Radel, for all of you. For all of you have fought the good fight, finished the race and have kept strong faith, right to the end. You have earned your mansions, for your labor has not been in vain. Psalm 116:15 (New International Version) Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. May Their Souls Rest In Peace, Pastor Mario.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 14:34:53 +0000