IN GOD’S DEFENCE - Ngozi Nmadu Last Article before she died

Recently, the Minister for Labour, James Ocholi died along with his wife and son. Someone asked me: "How can you believe in a God that allowed the minister to die so tragically in that accident? He was even on his way back from church when he died! His son's last post on instagram was: 'you want to bring me down? I dare you to try. #God HasM e '. Only a cruel God will allow his people to die so tragically!"

I didn't know how to respond to this person, so I shamefully sat back quietly. This morning I came across a scripture in the bible, in ISIAH 57:1 -2;

“1: Good people pass away; the Godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. 2: For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. ” (NLT)

That we’re Christians doesn't mean we won’t face tragedy or evil. In fact Jesus said in John 16:33;

“I have told you this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” (NLT)

The life of a Christian is not all milk and honey. We will definitely face challenges. When these challenges come, try not to doubt God, and it is pointless trying to see the logic in God’s action.

I lost an aunt and went through a difficult grieving process that raised doubts of God’s benevolence. My aunt was kind and peaceful; she was a dove...and death stole her away. When I heard she’d died, my desperate prayer was for God to raise her from the dead. Didn’t the bible say that if you have faith as tiny as a muster seed you could move mountains? Well, that day, my faith was as large as a mountain and as strong as steel. I held on to my faith until the moment I saw her coffin sink into the ground and then I felt the worst betrayal ever. God has betrayed me, I though to myself.

It’s been more than a year now and time has diminished the pain of her loss, leaving only fond memories behind. ISIAH 57:1-2 gives me great comfort . I am no longer blinded by the pain of loss and that gives me the ability to understand and accept that verse.

I dedicate ISIAH 57:1-2 to those who have lost someone recently or in the distant past. If you’re still grieving a loved one believe these words and you’ll find peace because you’ll understand that God did not betray you, God is not wicked and God is definitely not punishing you. Remember what God said in Jeremiah 29:11;

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

God is simple and complicated at the same time. We cannot fully understand Him or His thinking process. From our short-sighted view point, we cannot correctly judge, whether a person’s death is a bad thing. You don’t know what God has seen to make Him take the life of His followers. That a Christian dies so tragically, does not in itself mean that God lacks love or kindness. God can love you so much that He can decide to bring you or anyone home at any time.

Yes, good people die, but that doesn't mean that God is wicked or that he doesn't exist.

I am N.N.N, and I appear in God’s Defence.

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