Moral Of The Story:

“My New Year isn’t off to the great new start that I’d wanted,” a friend said. “In fact, things seem more out of control in my life, my friends’ lives, and around the world than ever before. Just look at the newspaper, look at the disasters. Where is God in all this?”

I told my friend that I understood her questions and frustrations and shared her sadness about the pain in the world. I said that it makes sense to ask about God’s presence and power during times of pain and tragedy, because those are the times when we realize the limits of our human understanding and abilities. If there were simple solutions to all the problems in this world, brilliant minds would have solved them all by now.

I shared that, in the two and a half years since losing our daughter Amy in a car accident, I have been amazed by how God has met my questions, sadness and tears.

I certainly don’t have all the answers, because human minds aren’t designed to grasp the mysteries of God. But I have repeatedly experienced the overwhelming awareness of God’s loving comfort and presence during even the most anguishing moments. I’ve found an inner strength by accepting that God is God, and I am not, and I can trust Him with anything and everything I experience in life.

Nobody ever said life makes sense, but we can trust that God not only knows the big picture, but is also trustworthy to walk through and guide us every step of the way.

And you can quote me on that.

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached at cindy@onthegrow.com or 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.