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As a nation, we are in shock. The sting of uncertainty is still painful. The Air India flight crash that took place shortly after takeoff (~30 seconds airborne), where the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a hostel block at B.J. Medical College in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, triggering a massive fire and explosions causing 241 deaths onboard; at least 39 additional fatalities on the ground; and about 60+ injured. This is one of the most tragic aviation disasters in the history of Boeing-787 Dreamliners.
4 stories in connection with the flight: a family who were on their way to start a new life with 3 little kids – burnt alive, a passenger who missed the flight due to traffic and within minutes heard the news of the crash, a lone survivor who walked out of the exit when the plane crash-landed and caught fire, and the 100s of innocent victims whose dreams and desires shattered due to a technical glitch. The incident revealed to us the uncertainty and the brevity of life. People are becoming more conscious of the lack of control over their environment. Despite advanced technological developments and unprecedented scientific progress in digitalization, such tragic, traumatic, disastrous incidents remind us that we are not in charge of what’s happening here.
The emotions we are dealing with now are real, relatable, and depressing. Our social media is bombarded with feeds of this crashed flight, bodies, disturbing images, and heart-wrenching stories. How do we process a tragedy of such a disaster? Humans have always used ‘blame’ to support ignorance in dealing with guilt. It has become our first ‘go’ after every tragic incident. Does it help?
The Bible says, ‘We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).’ Let me help you with a few things that I am working on myself at such a time as this; processing a tragedy.
First, we should acknowledge that we need help. Let us realize the fact that we are not in control of everything that happens around us. God is sovereign. He is seated on the throne. He rules and reigns. He is the King of the universe. He knows everything that is happening. He is not responsible for the evil that inhibits us, we are. We chose to live without God. The more we try to live on our own, evil continues to mature and is becoming more evilish. The Bible reveals that ‘As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins… But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions (Eph 2:1-5).”
Second, we should look for help. The vulnerability of the situation is frail. Every human effort to keep the plane intact and be 100% sure of safety collapsed under uncertainty. This calls for rapid response. A radical determination to seek God who alone has promised us eternal security and divine safety. The Bible says, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deut 31:6).’
Third, we should receive help. Psalm 121:1-2 says, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” Receiving help comes in two ways: by faith and through obedience. We need to come to God by faith and through obedience walk in His promises. It positions us to be recipients of His grace and mercy. It qualifies us for His eternal security. In that case, Satan would need permission from God to touch us.