Where is God in all this?

“Where is God when an innocent, sweet 4 year old boy is diagnosed with cancer?” “Where is God when a mother loses her son to drug or alcohol addiction?” Where is God when the father of two beautiful girls and a loving wife would rather die than live on this earth and takes his own life?” “Where is God when a Friday night out to watch a new movie turns deadly for more than a dozen innocent people and drastically alters the lives of hundreds of others forever?”
The above examples are all true scenarios in the lives of people I either know and love, or have come in contact with over the last few years. All fuel for the burning question of “Where is God in all this?”
I used to struggle with this question wondering, why, a God who is supposed to love and protect would allow such tragedy in the lives of those who love him back.
Recently I was provided the answer. “One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord and the accuser Satan came with them.” Job 1:6. (Notice that Satan is walking alongside.) Another verse in the bible reminds me to, “Stay alert: Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1Peter 5:8.
So often we forget that although God walks this earth, so too, does Satan. He is there and his main goal is to bring doubt and fear into our lives. Still, though when the pain and hurt are so raw, we ask the question “Where is God?”
In the above situations, God is in the prayers of the hundreds (no, make that thousands) of people praying for little Noah everyday and the growing testimony and faith of his family and friends. By the way, you can begin praying for him too. Specifically, that he be healthy enough to make a trip to Disney World very soon. (A trip granted to his family by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.)
God is in the living legacy of those who left this earth tormented by drugs and alcohol. Yet, they will be remembered, not for their addiction, but for their Christ like love for others. Thank you, big brother.
God is in the Foundation started by the two young girls who lost their father, in the hopes that other children will not face a similar scenario.
And God is in the stories of the beautiful young men who gave their lives to save others on that tragic night in Colorado. Reminds me of someone else who gave up his life so that I might live!
In a world tormented and infested with sin, we must learn to look for God, not just wait for Him to show up. The bible tells us, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13
Look for God in your pain today and remember what Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”