Purpose in Tragedy

It is difficult to comprehend any purpose behind severe tragedy. This is particularly the case when it occurs on a grand scale to innocent people. The travails and sacrifices of the Martin and the Willie and the other handcart companies are well-known examples. But while tragic in their day, these incidents have resulted in a high degree of gratitude and faithfulness in the descendants of these faithful pioneers. For many, this sheds at least some purpose on why it happened. More difficult in modern times is understanding any purpose being the spontaneous atrocities of 9/11, or the 1,700 victims taken in the Indonesia tsunami of 2004. The Book of Mormon contains several similar epic tragic events, but one in particular stands out as spontaneously happening to innocent faithful believers. While still incomprehensible on many levels, The Book of Mormon states that the Lord had a purpose for allowing the incident to proceed as it did.

 Alma 14:9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.
 10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
 11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

LESSON LEARNED: There seems to be a lack of purpose most tragedy, and faith can be shaken to its limits. But in some instances, there are reasonings that transcends the understanding of man.

FEEDBACK: HOW DO YOU RECONCILE EPIC TRAGEDIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR FAITH?