Read Time: 4 min 59 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

U.S. NEWS

Plane Crashes

Last Wednesday saw the U.S.’s worst plane crash in 24 years.

Just before 9 p.m. outside of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair. Both aircraft fell into Washington D.C.’s Potomac River. The plane was carrying 64 passengers and crew from Kansas, including U.S. and Russian skaters leaving the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers on a training flight. No one survived the crash.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. What we do know is that the crash happened in busy airspace, the helicopter was flying higher than it should have been, and the control tower at the airport didn’t have enough employees directing traffic.

Just two days later, a small medical transport plane crashed near a shopping center in Philadelphia. All six people on board the plane died, as well as one person on the ground. At least 22 people were injured, and 4 homes were destroyed.
 
__

RADIATE HOPE
Christians don’t need to tune out tragedy or downplay the darkness in this world to hold on to joy and hope. Our Savior Jesus confronted the darkness directly, lived without sin, and triumphed over it through his death and resurrection. 

“So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you. In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.… I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” 
John 16:22–23, 33 (CSB) (read full passage)

What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Lament the sadness and admit your fear, then give it to God.  

In Psalm 90, Moses mourns how fleeting and fragile life is, full of “struggle and sorrow” and passing “like a sigh” (Psalm 90:9, 10). But in that sadness, he models going to the Lord for joy and hope: “Lord—how long? Turn and have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days. Make us rejoice for as many days as you have humbled us, for as many years as we have seen adversity” (Psalm 90:13–14 CSB).

Tragedies like these plane crashes break through everyday life and confront us with how fragile it is. Those without the hope of the gospel can only turn to distractions and temporary pleasures to dull that ache. But believers have a Rock whose steadfast love is enough to comfort us today and satisfy us forever. Turn to him to sustain you when struggle and sorrow come.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Remembering the future that’s coming helps sustain us through suffering. 

Thousands of years after Moses, the apostle Paul also reflects on the “futility” of the here and now: “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children” (Romans 8:18–20 CSB).

Believers are “eagerly waiting” for the renewed world where we’ll live resurrected with Jesus. When this world beats us down, remember that we were made for a better one and wait for it with hope.

• Read a lament psalm (like Psalm 90) or a psalm of trust (like Psalm 91) aloud as a prayer, using its words and adding your own to bring to God the things that make you sad or scare you.

• Memorize John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (CSB).

• Pray for the families affected by these crashes—that they would have comfort and enduring hope in Christ.

RECOMMENDED

How We’re Making Valentine’s Day One to Remember
With FamilyLife*

Your marriage deserves more than just a box of mystery chocolates. Whether you want to deepen your connection, spark meaningful conversation, or just have a good laugh, FamilyLife has you covered.

Snag their new book, The Mindful Marriage, for some heartfelt connection; get competitive and laugh your way through the Spouse-ology trivia game, or plan lifelong mems with the Dates to Remember Couples Planner.

Now through February 14th, buy any two products from FamilyLife’s marriage collection and shipping’s on them! It’s a small way to invest in your second-most important relationship––your marriage.

Love starts with mindful moments. Shop for the perfect V-Day gift now!

Advertise with us

*sponsored

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Just a drop of perspective…