“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more” (Rev. 21:4).
During times of bloodshed, destruction or persecution, people often lose hope in God and humanity. This has been a part of the human condition since the beginning of time. We wonder: Where is God in the midst of such pain and misery?
With so many conflicts in the Middle East, Iraq, Africa…with troubles brewing on many other fronts, teenagers often wonder if there’s a future ahead for them. Many can become despondent as they consider their individual futures and the transitions they will need to make in school, family and career.
Scripture, however, reminds us that evil never has the last word, and death won’t either. Our fears are often the only realities that hold us back from accepting the greater good that God has in store for us.
As youth leaders, we dare not hide the realities of our world from teens, but must remain open to discussions with them, including the most disastrous of circumstances. Through conversation, prayer and learning, we all grow in faith and eventually do what we can to help alleviate the suffering in our own communities.
We may not be able to change the world, but every youth group can make a difference and be of service to those who are experiencing pain or anguish. Ultimately, God will have the last word, and this is where we can draw our strength in times of trouble.
