Overcoming Tragedy: A 4-Day Plan for Finding Hope Amid Life's ChallengesSample

Day 2: Finding Hope

After the reality set in that Tommy might be paralyzed for the rest of his life, he and his family had to face a new and very emotional challenge – dealing with their “flipped” world.

There were practical issues, like how to care for Tommy and Robyn’s two sons while Robyn was taking care of Tommy nearly 800 miles away at the rehabilitation hospital in Denver. And they had to evaluate and address the tremendous financial strain the tragedy was having on their family. Tommy was unable to work, the economy was going into a deep recession, the normal bills weren’t going away, and the medical expenses were mounting. 

It became obvious that our family needed to create a trust for Tommy. Shortly after the trust was created, we announced it on our blog, not knowing at first how it would be received. However, checks immediately started rolling in from all over the country, and it quickly became apparent that God had a bigger plan.

In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary and tells her she will give birth to God’s son, Jesus. Although she asked how this could happen since she was a virgin, she immediately accepted that God could perform this miracle, and responded in faith. “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” – Luke 1:38 (NIV)

Soon after, Mary visited Elizabeth (pregnant with John the Baptist at her very old age). Elizabeth said to her, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” – Luke 1:45 (NIV)

These verses give us hope in the prophecies God has for our season of tragedy. We can let go of “how” or “why” the tragedy happened and instead have faith that the Lord could be speaking through the situation to us and those around us.

Tragedy is not a journey we should ever travel alone. When we walk through it with loved ones and friends and, most of all, with God, then courage is always within our reach and giving up is no longer an option. The tragedy is no less real, no less painful, but the tragedy never wins.

So, no matter what type of tragedy we face — no matter what form of paralysis is taking a grip on us physically, emotionally, or spiritually — God will give us the courage, faith, and hope to live in His grace and joy.

TIP(s) FROM TOMMY

Surround yourself with community – even if it’s only your caregivers who are around you. Show them that you care for their well-being, and, in turn, they will provide the same to you. Show people your heart. Looking outward to others, not just inward on yourself, creates the opportunity to see brighter days ahead. Many times, God uses other people to provide us with encouragement.

PRAYER

Dear God, because of who You are, I am not alone. Your plans for my life are greater than what I could ever imagine, which is why I can have hope in Your plan. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.