A week has now passed since the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University took 33 lives, including that of the gunman. Since the terrible news arrived, we have observed as students and teachers closed ranks in support of one another. We have read the wrenching message of condolence and despair written by the gunman’s sister, Sun-Kyung Cho, on behalf of the family. “We feel hopeless, helpless and lost,” she wrote. “Our family is so very sorry for my brother’s unspeakable actions. It is a terrible tragedy for all of us.”

 As the story has unfolded, we have each felt a small portion of the pain of those who have lost friends, colleagues, teachers, and loved ones. As Sun-Kyung Cho wrote, “There is much justified anger and disbelief . . . , and a lot of questions left unanswered.”

 Anger, disbelief, and unanswered questions are sometimes aimed at God by those who suffer sudden anguish. Years ago, I wrestled with God’s existence. As I look back, one of the things I now see is how self-centered my thinking was. Tragedies happen every day—reported in the news for all to see and hear. Yet somehow it didn’t occur to me to question God’s love or His existence when bad things were happening to other people. It was only when I was struck personally by tragedy that the anger, disbelief, and unanswered questions caused me to doubt God.

 I don’t mean to be flippant about grief. It is understandable that personal anguish causes a reevaluation of beliefs. Perhaps a time of nation-wide shared pain will provide an unusual opportunity now for many, while they are not overwhelmed by personal grief, to reevaluate and confirm their own understanding about the ultimate issues of life and death.

 Here are some basic considerations from Scripture:

 (1) Earth is a planet filled with trouble. As I learned first-hand during seven years living and working in East Africa, the majority of the earth’s inhabitants live closer to trouble every day than most North Americans will ever experience. Famine, war, political violence, disease, and natural calamities take their toll constantly. Most of us in North America expect things will go along okay most of the time. In many parts of the world there is no such expectation. “Dear friends,” the apostle Peter wrote, “do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12*). This is just the way it is on planet Earth, Peter explained. Evil happens.

 (2) Christians are not exempt. “In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus promised His disciples (John 16:33). Those first followers of Jesus did indeed suffer. So have His followers in succeeding generations. The blood of faithful Christian martyrs was spilled all across Europe during the Middle Ages, eventually giving rise to the Protestant Reformation. (Unfortunately, those who took the name of Christ also spilled the blood of countless followers of Mohammed during the Crusades.) When we in the 21st century wonder why things go wrong in our lives, we should remember that it has never been any other way. Count on it: In this world all of us, including Christians, will have trouble.

 (3) Our personal growth and our ultimate salvation are God’s primary concerns. God’s first priority for His children is not necessarily that they have easy, contented lives. Indeed, it is through suffering that we grow and become strong. “We also rejoice in our sufferings,” wrote the apostle Paul, “because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

 (4) Jesus knows our pain. Peter wrote of Jesus on the cross, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Whatever anguish we may suffer, we can be sure Jesus suffered more.

 (5) Rather than letting bitterness overwhelm us, we must leave ultimate justice in God’s hands. To Christians living under harsh Roman rule Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked; a man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). “Do not repay anyone evil for evil . . . Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17, 19, 21). Some portray the Christian religion as weak. On the contrary, it requires God-given, supernatural strength to nonviolently resist the forces of evil in the world and in our own hearts. We must leave the final denouement of all the earth’s injustice to God’s ultimate righteous judgment.

 (6) God will bring a final end to suffering, and will usher in an incredible new eternity. Consider the words of the ancient prophet Daniel:

At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake . . . Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:1-3).

To which the prophet Isaiah adds, in the voice of Jahweh Himself:

Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered, 
     nor will they come to mind.
Be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create . . .
The sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more
(Isaiah 65:17-19).

 We can be sure trouble will come in this world, but we also can be sure it is temporary. Ultimately, eternal life in a world without trouble is assured. “Take heart!” Jesus insisted, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

B.W.

* All scripture quoted from the New International Version.