Where is God?

God is here

God is available to everyone

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. PSALM 34:18 NLT

God is present with _those who are with Jesus _

Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. EPHESIANS 2:13 NLT
For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. MATTHEW 18:19 NLT
We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. PSALM 75:1 NLT

Why did God allow this to happen?

God allows temporary evil to bring about an eternal good

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ROMANS 8:28 NLT

God allows evil to:

Awaken faith in people who don’t know God

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 PETER 3:9 NLT
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. HEBREWS 11:6 NLT
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. ROMANS 3:22 NLT

Expose a lack of faith in people who think they know God

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. ROMANS 12:3 NLT
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5 NLT
Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 1 THESSALONIANS 3:10 NLT
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. JUDE 22 NLT

Increase faith in people who are following Jesus

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 PETER 1:7 NLT
The greater the heartache we face, the greater the reward we will receive.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. COLOSSIANS 2:7 NLT
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 JOHN 5:4 NLT

What is God doing about it?

Jesus is preparing a pain free place

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. JOHN 14:1-3 NLT
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 NLT
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:4 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

How have you experienced God this week as you have processed this evil tragedy? In what way has he seemed close to or far from you?
How has this act of human evil affected your faith in God?
In light of recent tragedy, in what way have you expressed real faith in God?
What next step will you take to re-prioritize your faith so that it might increase?
How can God use you and your group this week to bring comfort to someone who is hurting because of this or other tragedies?
How does the heaven that Jesus is preparing encourage you in your faith?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can open your heart to God. Allow yourself to be real as you express to him how you are feeling about the recent tragedies. Know that God hears whatever you have to say and that he is present to you. When you have come to the end of your words, sit for a moment in silence. When you are ready, ask God to comfort you and to reveal his truth to you. As you go through your week, remind yourself of his presence continue to ask him for what you need.

Explore the Where is God Series

When Tragedy Strikes

Answering Tough Questions When Tragedy Strikes