Introduction
Life is full of trials. Sometimes, tragedy strikes in ways we never expected—loss, betrayal, divorce, sickness, or even the death of a loved one. In those moments, we are faced with a choice: do we allow our pain to define us, or do we surrender it to God and let Him use it for His glory?
Today, I want to talk about choosing to serve God after tragedy—not because it’s easy, but because it’s the only path that leads to true healing and purpose.
I. The Reality of Tragedy (Job 1:20-22)
Job was a righteous man who loved and served God, yet in a single day, he lost everything—his wealth, his children, and his health. Instead of cursing God, the Bible says:
“Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this, Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:20-22)
Key Lesson: Pain and faith can exist together. Grief is real, but so is worship. Job didn’t deny his suffering, but he chose to surrender it to God instead of turning away.
II. God Works Through Our Pain (Romans 8:28)
Romans 8:28 reminds us:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
God doesn’t waste our suffering. He redeems it, transforms it, and uses it for a greater purpose. Look at Joseph—betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, yet he later saved an entire nation. Look at Paul—beaten, shipwrecked, and imprisoned, yet he wrote much of the New Testament.
Key Lesson: Your pain has a purpose. Even if you can’t see it now, God is working behind the scenes to bring something good out of your suffering.
III. Healing Comes Through Serving Others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
One of the greatest ways to heal after tragedy is to serve others. When you use your testimony to encourage someone else, you turn your pain into purpose. God doesn’t just heal us so we can feel better—He heals us so we can help others.
Key Lesson: Your story isn’t just for you. It’s for someone else who needs to know that God can bring them through their darkest moment, just like He did for you.
Conclusion: Choosing to Serve God Anyway
Choosing to serve God after tragedy doesn’t mean you ignore your pain—it means you refuse to let it keep you from your purpose. Like Job, Joseph, Paul, and even Jesus, suffering is part of the journey, but so is redemption.
If you’re in a season of pain, remember:
• Worship through your grief.
• Trust that God is working, even when you don’t understand.
• Use your story to bring healing to others.
Call to Action:
• If you’re struggling with tragedy, surrender it to God today.
• If you feel distant, ask Him to draw you closer.
• If you’ve found healing, share your testimony and serve others.
God isn’t finished with you yet. Choose to serve Him anyway.
Let’s pray.
“Father, we come before You with our pain, our brokenness, and our questions. We don’t always understand why we go through suffering, but we trust that You are still good. Help us to choose You, to serve You, and to use our testimony to bring hope to others. Heal us, strengthen us, and use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”