Tragedy and Triumph

So I've often wondered why for some people, life seems to come easy. All goes according to plan, things fall into place. It seems unfair that some people seem to have everything, and others--often those who we would think deserve it the most, have to struggle. A friend once explained it that God sometimes let's us face hard times so we come to know him in a deeper way, so that we grow in our knowledge of Him. One wonders if you come to a point where you can't grow any more.

I've also heard it said that God has the right to break a vessel to show what he has poured into it. Because only in our brokenness does our true source of strength show.

So this guy, my prom date, has had an eventful time of it since high school. And the happy events of college, and marriage and going to seminary and having a baby girl might have been overshadowed by tragic events such as an accident, the death of his wife, and multiple injuries to recover from...but for the grace of God.

God promises us that he won't give us more than we can handle. I have no doubt that his promise is true--but sometimes I wonder about what he thinks one man can handle.

My friend told me of what had happened to him, and turns around and asks me what he can pray for me about. He says that he has seen the hand of God provide at every turn. He finds the good. He seeks to be a blessing to others.

And I'm amazed. At his faith. To see someone who has come through the fire and come out still praising God on the other side is quite a beautiful sight to see.