When Words Aren’t Enough

I sat and wondered how to respond to my Arab friend. “Where is God in this?” she had asked. How do you answer this question when looking into the eyes of people who have lost their homes, their businesses, their loved ones? What can you say as you look at the rubble of a once beautiful and vibrant city? A tragic event had shaken the country just days earlier.

I understood why she was asking this question. When tragedy strikes, it’s normal to wonder where the Lord is. Why didn’t He stop it? Why didn’t He save these people? Is He truly all-powerful, or is He just a sadistic ruler? I was reminded of the text I spoke on at the women’s meeting months earlier. I talked about Lazarus’ death, and as Jesus came to the tomb, Martha asked Him this same question. “You should’ve been here,” she said. But He wasn’t, and now she lost her brother. He responded to her in truth and encouragement. Then Mary comes saying the exact same thing, but He responds differently. This time, He simply weeps with her.

As my friend asked these questions in anger and frustration, I probably could’ve quoted a Bible verse. I could’ve given a logical answer. I could’ve spoken of God’s love and sovereignty and grace. However, there was something in me that felt it wasn’t the time for that. It wasn’t what she needed to hear at that moment. So, instead, as tears started to form in her eyes, I looked at her and simply said, “This is absolutely terrible. I am so sorry.” And I wept with her.

Faith Without Works is Dead

Words are powerful. I believe we should use our tongues wisely. The gospel is a message, a word to be spoken and proclaimed. Words have always come very naturally to me. I’ve been told I’m a gifted speaker. Research papers in school were never difficult for me. Friends desired my opinion. I prided myself on these things. However, looking back, I realized that while people often came to me for advice, they didn’t come to me when they needed something done. My time was much too precious. And I was convicted over my lack of true servanthood.

So, I put a pause on language learning and went with the local church over the course of the month. We helped clean up the streets, cooked food for workers, donated blood, delivered supplies, cleaned up buildings, and showed the love of Christ.

I am someone who proclaims the gospel boldly, but as this tragedy has struck, the Lord has been teaching me that speaking the Word without living it is futile. I don’t tell you this story to toot my own horn. I am telling you this so you learn from my mistakes. I so often put my time and convenience above others, and I know that’s something that can be very easy to fall into. I hope this has been an encouragement to you. Yes, we should sound like Jesus. We should proclaim what He did. But don’t forget that we should look like Him, too, and do what He did.