Ridgell's Originals

Much has been said recently about Christians saying inappropriate things during times of tragedy.  I have heard several use the phrase "show up and shut up".  In some ways I agree with that statement.  We Christians have sometimes spoken thoughtlessly.  Sometimes we have even said things that are not true about our God and this world.

But...

Scripture says be ready when you are asked about the hope that we have.  And I don't think you show up and start talking Jesus whether anybody is listening or not.  But my experience has been that when you are there in times of disaster or tragedy, eventually you are going to have an opportunity to speak.  Here are the ways I have been invited to open my mouth.

Why are you here?
Why are you doing this?
Why did this happen?
Where was/is God?

Sometimes I hear it thru tears, sometimes thru anger, and sometimes thru incredible pain?  Sometime it is a sincere question longing for an answer.  Sometimes it is a challenge.

And usually these opportunities come because we are with people.  Not "drive-by" help, but because they have seen God's people day after day after day.  Or the questions come in tragedies because we have a relationship with friends, co-workers, or neighbors.

So we have an opportunity to speak for God. Don't waste that opportunity. But be careful when you do.  Be sure you are speaking God words and not the words you assume God would say.

So here are the four most common stories I tell in the midst of disaster and tragedy.  I have sometimes told only one, and sometimes over time have told all four.  I have preached these in seminars and assemblies.

And I am confident these are God words because they are his stories.

The Creation/Garden story.  God made a perfect world for us.  Satan hated that.  So he got Adam and Eve to disobey God.  And the consequence was that from then on we have lived in an imperfect world.  So there are tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis.  Because Gods' creation was spoiled by sin.  And there is still sin so people do horrible things that hurt others.  And there is sickness and death.  None of this was God's doing.  It was not how he planned it.  But he is the one who will fix it.  He told Adam and Eve he would make it right.  So he sent his son to restore this world.  And someday all will be right because of Jesus.

The Blind Man in John 9.  Tragedy and disaster do not happen because of any specific sin committed.  That's what Jesus told his disciples when they were trying to pin the blame on someone.  But God's work is seen in these times.  That's why the people of God show up.  Jesus helped the blind man see.  We do what we can to help.  It's not because we are good, but because Jesus was good to us.  It is so this world can see the work of God displayed.

The Good Samaritan.  I don't know why the poor guy got beaten up, but I do know the hero of the story is the guy who helped him.  And it cost him something:  time, effort, and money.  So when people are beaten up by tragedy or disaster, we show up.  With our time, our energy, and our money.  We show up because the guy we follow said to.

The Philippian jailer.  The consequence of an earthquake cost him everything.  His career was over.  His life was ruined.  Suicide was the only answer he saw.  Until a Christian spoke up.  And told him about Jesus.  And the nightmare of his life turned to joy in the morning.

So show up.

And be ready to speak up.

With God words.