How To React When Tragedy Strikes Series

Intro: When tragedy strikes, some react by getting

bitter, blaming God, withdrawing, and never working

through a constructive reaction. Nehemiah shows

us how to react positively and constructively

to tragedy. His tragedy was that his homeland

had been devistated, the wall of Jerusalem had

been broken down. He was far away from home, and

the news hit him hard. How he reacted made all

the difference.

When reacting to tragedy:

I. Take time to MOURN (1:4)

A. It is okay to cry.

B. We should not deny our true feelings of grief.

C. It is not a sign of strength to deny our

grief.

D. A person’s mental, emotional, and physical

health demands that we take time to mourn

when necessary.

II.Take time to MEDITATE (l:4b--11)

A. Meditation involves Confession

B. Meditation involves Petition

C. Meditation involves Intercession

D. Meditation involves Introspection

III. THEN MOVE TO ACTION (1:11B--2:8)

A. Avoid getting "stuck" in grief process.

B. Constructively DO what you can about the

situation, as God leads, in His timing.

C. Action is grief’s best therapy.

(example: If cancer is your tragedy, begin

or get active in helping other

cancer patients)

D. God will provide the resources for recouperation

from tragedy.

Conclusion:

To face tragedy constructively, Nehemiah offers

a very healthy example. God blesses every effort

to react constructively to the tragedies of life.

Have you taken time to mourn, meditate, and then

move to action?