God's Work in Tragedy

When I saw the phone call, I knew his struggle was over. Janae’s father had cancer, and we knew that he would pass soon, but it still surprised us. Since the diagnosis, Andrew often confirmed, “We can get you back to see your dad. Are you still wanting to wait?” Janae always responded, “We have things to do here, and it would be difficult to go alone. Besides, I am available to talk or video chat during his night from Japan.” As time passed, his condition grew worse until we finally decided to buy tickets for Janae and Aila to visit and stay long enough for the imminent funeral. Two days before she left, her father passed away.

​​Many people have written or talked with us, explaining their similar experiences. Others have offered their condolences and expressed their grief in our behalf of our not seeing him before he passed. “I can’t imagine…” frequently was a phrase they uttered. However, arriving too late to see Paul was not the unimaginable part for us.

The Bible frequently attributes peace to God. The Bible describes God as the “God of peace” and the “Lord of peace.” At that moment, when we learned the news of Paul’s transfer from life on earth to standing before the throne of God, God gave us the unimaginable peace that surpassed our understanding.
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When God calls us to walk through tough times, He offers us everything we need to glorify Him, learn, and become more like Christ. Whether a tragedy or a change in life, the incredible part is watching God work and experiencing the peace and strength that only He can give.