Excited about their future, the family was traveling to visit relatives.

Mother was driving, the three young children were strapped into their seats, and Dad was lying down in the back of the van because his back trouble did not allow him to sit. They had just sold their house and located a lovely old place on a lake in a faraway state where Dad would be working.

Suddenly, a truck rammed into the back of their vehicle, exploding both their peaceful journey and their dreams. Though everyone else was safe, in one tragic instant, Dad became a paraplegic.

Did God forget to go before them? Did He fail and forsake them?

No.

He who endured the death of His own Son on the cross was there with this family — my family. Because of sin, we live in a broken world. Because of Christ’s death, we have hope that someday we will live in a perfect heaven.

I know God will take this tragedy in my family and do something immeasurably greater than what we now perceive.

The God who is with us when things are going well is also with us in crisis. His purposes are full of love and grace toward us and this despairing world. Whatever you are facing, know this: God is there to guide you to the next step.