Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.

• God's goodness and power often come into question during times of tragedy.
• Craig Scott of Columbine High School survived the school shootings, and most of his friends came out as he prayed for them; however, his sister was shot and later died.

• First, we could say "I am in charge;" but tragedy makes us realize that we aren't.
• Second, we could say that no one is in charge; but fatalism is the most tragic conclusion one could possibly draw from all of this.
• Third, we could say that God is in charge; and then we are forced to ask what kind of God is this who is in charge.


- Living in the cold shade of the Columbine tragedy it appears that either: one, God is good, or two, God is powerful
- The Bible declares and demonstrates that our God is both powerful and good.

• First, wrestle with God; don't give pat answers to the tough questions of life.


- In the book of Ruth, Naomi's wrestling with God and her conviction of the goodness and power of God were not incompatible.
- Illustration: The pastor working on the site of the crash of Flight 427 was told "Tell it like it is….Don't let God off the hook."


• Secondly, look at how God's power and his goodness are amply demonstrated.
  
  - Illustration: John Stotz' playlette "The Long Silence" demonstrates how God had served the ultimate sentence.

- If we could see all of life from God's perspective, we would see that even the worst experiences are within the sovereign and good plan of God.


• Thirdly, pray; because prayer is an expression of dependence on God.


- We must eventually decide if we are willing to come to the person of Jesus Christ and trust him.

• Craig Scott, when he heard about his sister's death, said "My sister is with the Lord. I will see her again."