Dear friends:
Tragedy can strike at any time and unfortunately it is a part of living. We all hope it won’t happen to us and those around us whom we love. There are things we can do to minimize it, but there is nothing we can do to eliminate it.
I wish I had the answer for preventing tragedy but neither I nor anybody else does. I think many imagine if they live a good life, eat properly and exercise, and believe in God that tragedy will not happen to them. God will protect them and spare them tragedy. Unfortunately, that is not true. One of the greatest men who ever lived was the apostle Paul. His whole life after he was blinded on the road to Damascus was full of tragedy. As many of you know, his life ended in a prison in Rome, where he was beheaded.
I know that even though there is tragedy there is hope. Hope for today and hope for tomorrow.
I will share three stories about how tragedy resulted in hope. Many other such stories can be told and I am sure you have many that you could share also.
The first is a story I heard Dr. Dobson from Focus on the Family tell. Several years ago Focus on the Family moved its headquarters from California to Colorado Springs. They had a dedication ceremony and some very important people were invited, including several prominent ministers. After the ceremony, two ministers were killed in a private plane on their way home. All were shocked. Many people asked why this happened to these ministers who had given their lives to Jesus. Why after the dedication of the new Focus on the Family headquarters? It just did not seem right. Why did God not protect these faithful servants of His?
Sometime later on a beautiful day a small plane was seen in the sky. Somebody took a picture. You may not believe this, but the plane in the picture was identical to the small plane that had carried the ministers, including the plane’s numbers.
God heard all those questions as to why. He did not answer the whys, but what He did was tell all that He does care and His plan is perfect. The picture of the plane in the sky gave hope to all who were confused and asking why this tragedy happened.
The next story is about me. Prior to July 29, 2001, I had everything one might want—a successful OB/GYN practice, a well-respected OB/GYN residency program, a special family and so much more. I was a Christian. I dedicated my office building to Jesus and even had a beautiful chapel in its basement for my employees, patients and me to pray in.
But on July 29, 2001, my whole life was turned upside down. I was involved in a serious go-kart-racing accident that almost killed me. It left me paralyzed from the waist down. Again the same questions could be asked: Why me? What did I do to deserve this? My life was dedicated to God. Why did He not protect me? Again nobody knows the answers, but just like the plane in the sky God did answer by giving me hope. While I lay unconscious on a respirator fighting for my life, He promised me He would be with me. He told me He would carry me when I could not walk and pick me up when I fell. He also told me He was going to use my life to glorify Him.
Another tragedy that ended in hope.
Because it is Easter, the next story is about Jesus and His tragedy. You may all know the story. Jesus walked this earth to tell all about God. Jesus was a pure man. He performed countless miracles to show all that His message is real. If you believe in Him you will have hope and eternal life. He was crucified on a cross—one of the most horrible deaths known to man. Just like with the small plane, God gave us hope: Christ arose on the third day after his death.
This story is so important. Those who were skeptical could once again see Jesus. The cross was empty. Jesus was no longer there. He is in Heaven waiting for all who believe. He promised that all who believe will never die; life will be eternal.
But what about your tragedies? How can these stories help you? First of all, these stories are stories of real tragedy and how hope prevailed. Your tragedies can end in the same way as long as you believe. No matter what your tragedy or situation in life is, God will always be with you. He will give you all the grace you need to make it to tomorrow. What a special gift to know that no matter what happens He will be walking by your side and picking you up when you fall. Because of Him and His grace there is always hope. Isn’t that what the apostle Paul was trying to tell us?
I want to leave you with this final quote from Jesus:
“Don’t be afraid. Trust in God.”
Happy Easter,
David
Have a blessed Easter
Beth, HAPPY EASTER to you too. My book launching is on 7/29/14. You will be getting an invitation. I hope you can come.
Happy Easter to you & yours Dr. Wolf.
“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Dawn, HAPPY EASTER to you too.
Thank God He’s alive, and we get to live with Him forever. Happy Easter, David.
Jan
Jan, Thank you for reading my message. I think of you frequently. My book launching is on 7/29/14; 13 years to the date of my go kart racing accident. My book launching in Texas is on 8/7/14. You will be getting an invitation. I hope you can come. HAPPY EASTER,
Dr. Wolf,
Thank you for sharing your faith along with an inspiring message. I wish you and your family blessed and happy Easter!
Ed
HE HAS RISEN!
Thanks!
HAPPY EASTER Ed.
HE IS RISEN! Praise The Lord….
YES HE IS RISEN!
Thank you for your encouragement, Dr. Wolf! You are an excellent doctor and an inspiring man. God bless you and Happy Easter!
Dear Jill, Thank you for your special words. HAPPY EASTER to you.
Happy Easter. This is one of the best times of the year. It reminds us what Jesus did for us. If we believe in him he will bring us through any situation. Easter gives us hope. Jesus died and rose again for our salvation. Thank you Lord Jesus. You are a light unto my path.
Dear Sally, Thank you for reading my message. I hope all is well and your day has been special.
Happy Easter, Dr. Wolf,
I myself heard of a few tragedies on Easter Sunday
from a family member. You DO wonder why it is all happening. Looking forward to your book launching.
Sharon Mahon
Dear Sharon, Thank you for reading my EASTER message. As I mentioned in my message, I don’t know why bad things happen to GOOD people. What I do know however, is that because of God there is alway HOPE. Keep 7/29/14 on your calendar!
Hi Dr. Wolf,
Thank you for sharing your story. It is always great to hear from you. God has used your life in amazing ways and your humility and obedience are a true testimony of your faith.
Michele
Dear Michele, Thank you for your special words. You are so kind. I hope all is well.
Thanks for your testimony and we hope you and your family had a Happy Easter. You are an inspiration to all who know you.
Hi dr wolf I have been patiently waiting for your book to come out.I look forward to reading it.I miss you ! My life with all my tragedys gets better every day. My husband converted and goes to church with me every sunday.we are truly blessed.I talk of you often and tell your stories.I just told our rainbow story twice in two weeks.I have told many as it was a gift from god! Where do I get your book?
Hi dr wolf I wrote a log comment but it didnt send.where do I get your book.I miss you terribly. I tell you story all the time along with our rainbow story I love so much!