Overcoming Tragedy: A 4-Day Plan for Finding Hope Amid Life's ChallengesSample

Day 1: When Tragedy Strikes

Tommy Van Zandt stood on a ladder and looked at another dead limb dangling from the towering tree in his backyard. One more, he thought, and then lunch. He leaned out with his chainsaw and cut off the limb that had been damaged in a recent ice storm. Then the unexpected happened. Tommy lost his balance and fell 15 feet to the ground. In that instant, Tommy was paralyzed from the neck down. His life, and the lives of his family, were completely flipped. 

When tragedy strikes, it can leave us feeling confused and in search of direction. In Tommy’s case, he and his family were searching for comfort, direction, and, above all, a miracle.

After the death of Moses, the Lord called on Joshua to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. In light of the unknown challenges that Joshua was about to face, God said to him, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

God commands us to surrender our need for control, so we can find peace and contentment in Him and not in our understanding. He sees our pain and suffering, and He offers Himself as a place of rest, knowing that we cannot carry our burdens on our own.

It’s human nature for us to wonder, “Why me?” and get frustrated and angry at ourselves, the people we love most, and God. We get drawn into that dark place where moving forward, even just taking one step, seems like the most impossible thing on earth. We become paralyzed by our pride and our fears. Unable to function effectively. Unable to move in a positive direction. Powerlessness to act for the good of ourselves or others. 

Thankfully, the greater reality is that God always provides a way forward. There is life and hope in the midst of tragedy. No matter how our lives have been flipped, we can get up, we can move on, and, most of all, we can experience the joy and peace that God provides.

TIP(s) FROM TOMMY

Count each day as a blessing because we are only given one day at a time. Realize that we have the opportunity to live that day.

PRAYER

God, thank you for always providing a way forward even when the path seems dark and hazy. Thank you for seeing my pain, my suffering, and my fears, and for taking on my burdens when they are too heavy for me to carry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.