My Cousin Was Murdered

Q

I am on your website quite a bit. You always have some very insightful answers. I am having a difficult time at the moment, my cousin was murdered over the weekend and I am having such a difficult time coming to terms with this. She was only 35 years old and she was strangled by her boyfriend after they argued. He then hid her under her bed for two or three days. I trust in God’s plan but am having a difficult time accepting this. I know this is probably not the place to be bringing up this topic but I need to know how I can come to terms with such a horrific death of a young woman.

A

The world is an evil place and getting more so. This is a sign that the Lord’s return is getting closer. When we see evil from afar we can stay detached and take comfort by reminding ourselves of that.

But when it strikes close to home it’s a different matter. It threatens our own security in addition to arousing feelings of anger and revenge. At that point we can only pray that God will restore peace to our hearts and place the resolution of the matter in his hands. He’s promised to take vengeance on our behalf for all the evil that’s been done to us, and to give us a peace that surpasses all human understanding.

It’s normal and healthy to grieve over the loss of a loved one, and if your cousin was a believer, you know you’ll see her again soon. In the meantime pray that the Lord will relieve you of the anger and resentment you feel. I’m certain that many of those who read this will join you.

As impossible as this may seem now, if you ever get to a place where you can ask the Lord to forgive your cousin’s murderer, it will help heal you from your own hurt in a mighty way.