In the last 30 days, I’ve lost two friends…one to cancer, the other to an accident….

Joe was 50, missionary to Scotland, husband of Jayne, father of two. Scott was 33, founder of a ministry to the children of inmates called Shapes Mentoring, husband of Cori, father of four with another on the way. Both of them died unexpectedly before anyone was ready for them to go.

I know death is part of life, but it just feels wrong when young people die. I believe in God’s sovereignty over all, but I struggle with why God would “let this happen.” A much loved missionary taken by cancer during perhaps the most productive time in his life. A young, already accomplished leader brimming with potential for future impact, gone too soon. None of this makes sense. Where is God in all of this? Why didn’t He heal Joe? Where were the angels when Scott had his accident?

Asking “why” is normal. But in the end, I just can’t know the answer to “why” with absolute certainty. I can speculate, but I will always end up at the same place. I’ve got to trust God.

As simple and even simple minded as that sounds, it is actually a complex yet wonderful place to be. His thoughts and ways are higher than mine. My capacity to grasp and understand everything is limited. He has the infinite perspective. He knows all, sees all and holds it all together. My brain can’t even begin to comprehend what God knows and experiences. If He told me “why” I still would not understand.

And so, I trust. And I grieve. And I rest.  And I continue to live.