How can we make sense of this massacre?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: My family has enjoyed a great life for many years. We’ve had little trouble, little sorrow. But after Christmas, things changed as we lost a precious nephew in the New Orleans terror attack. While it is true he would have been safer to be at home on New Year’s Eve celebrating with his family, it is disturbing that people celebrating a new year had their lives taken from them. Our family is struggling to answer why God would let this happen. How can we make sense of this? – P.T.
A: When suffering strikes, we have a decision to make. Will we turn away from God, or will we turn toward Him? Turning away leads to doubt, anger, bitterness and despair. Turning to Him leads to hope, comfort, peace, strength, and joy. Faith in Jesus Christ points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ. Rest your hope fully upon God’s amazing grace (see 1 Peter 1:13).
The devil’s a master at making people question God. Christians often respond to tragedy and death differently because their hope is in what comes after this life – enjoying eternity in Jesus’ presence. Believers take Him at His Word, that He gives strength to the weary. Living in a sinful world filled with disease and darkness is part of life on Earth.
Hardship will always be present until Jesus Christ returns. As the composer of the great hymn “Rock of Ages” was dying at the age of 38, he said, “I enjoy Heaven already in my soul. My prayers are converted into praises.” Those who belong to Jesus rejoice in knowing that He’s with us in our trials and waits for us on the other side of life.
Humanity wants comfort in its sorrows, light in its darkness, peace in its turmoil, rest in its weariness, and healing in its sickness and diseases. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ provides all of this.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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