Where Was God When My Loved One Died?

My condolences go out to all who have suffered death in their families and I hope things will get back to normal soon. With that being said, allow me to get to the subject at hand. The title implies that someone has refused to acknowledge the existence and goodness of God because of death. Without being crude, let me say that I have no idea how anyone could hold such a view. In the beginning, God said that man would return to his dust, and that meant man would die (Genesis 3:19).

Even after that, God told men that death cannot be avoided and that he must prepare for it (Hebrews 9:27; John 8:21-24). Man is not eternal in this body of flesh, for the body will only last so long and after that life will end (2 Corinthians 5:1-9). Sickness is a fact of life, and we are surrounded by things that can infect us and evidently kill us. With that being the case, the possibility of death could occur at any moment (Ecclesiastes 8:6-9).

But God hasn’t gone anywhere. He is still were He always has been, and that is in heaven looking down and giving life and hope to all (Psalm 30:1-12). Even after death, God gives the hope of eternal life to those who prepared themselves (2 Timothy 4:6-8; 1 Cor. 15:19-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). And after death, the disease or condition which may have tortured a loved one and finally killed the body, can now harm that man no more, for that person is safe in the hands of the Lord (Luke 16:25).

God isn’t going to do away with death because we are flesh and the flesh is not forever (1 Cor. 15:35-55). So, rather then challenge God, why not reflect on what life is and what it is not? Life is not staying on the earth forever. Life is not avoiding bouts with sickness, disease, murder, accidents, etc. Life is not about living on earth where no unpleasant things occur. Life is not about man living on earth, and there is no God. Nor is it true that God doesn’t care about the tears of the bereaved. Rather life is about the opposite of all that I have just said.

God does exist. God does care. God even helps men though the difficult time of dealing with a dying love one, and His mighty hand even helps with the healing after a death has occurred. We know this to be true because people do find the strength to go on after a love one passes. Yes, the survivors will miss their love ones, but they still go on because God gives man the ability to do so (Joshua 1:1-7; Acts 8:1-4; 2 Peter 1:15; Acts 12:1-25).

So instead of challenging God about something which He told us would occur, let us get closer to the Lord. Let us put all our hope and confidence in Him and look to the hereafter, where death will be no longer (Revalation 21:1-7).
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If you aren’t a Christian, I urge you to obey the gospel because only for the child of God, will the words of this article prove true. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16). So if you are open to learning more about what you will have to do to be saved, I urge you to contact us at 215-248-2026 or e mail us at [email protected]. If you are a Christian, I urge you to keep your head in the book (John 5:39). Remember, we will suffer now (temporary) so we can relax later, and that relaxation will be forever.

​~James Baker