When tragedy strikes—a devastating accident, a sudden disaster—we are often left grappling with painful questions. Why did God spare some while others perish? Did God pick favorites? Did our prayers make the difference? These questions haunt families, communities, and hearts everywhere. But the truth is far more profound than this common misconception.
Accidents and disasters happen, and some survive “by the skin of their teeth,” while others tragically lose their lives. Think of the recent plane crash in India where a lady was prevented from boarding the flight by airport officials because she was late for check in formalities. Also , in the recent helicopter crash in Adansi-Obuasi , stories are now being told as to how some other people missed the flight and the heartbreaking crash . Additionally, there are stories of people who insist of sitting in particular spot in cars or planes and even going to the extent of exchanging their original seat for that particular seat and dying in an event of an accident while the original person for that seat survives the accident because of the seat change.
In all such incidents It is not because God was playing a game of musical chairs, deciding who stays and who falls when prayers were made. The reason is that each person’s time on earth is known only to God. And this what the Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
God alone knows the length of our days. Psalm 139:16 declares, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” This means that survival or loss in tragic events is not about favoritism or random chance but about the divine timing that only God controls.
When we pray for those in danger, we are expressing faith and hope, trusting that God’s mercy and love are at work. But survival is not a contest where prayers guarantee life for some and death for others. Rather, our prayers align us with God’s will and provide comfort amid uncertainty.
Understanding this truth helps us face tragedy with humility and compassion. It reminds us to support those who have lost loved ones without questioning God’s justice or fairness. Instead, we can embrace faith in God’s perfect knowledge and timing, knowing that every life’s journey is precious and purposeful.
In moments of sorrow, let us hold on to the assurance found in Hebrews 9:27: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” and trust that God’s plan is just and loving beyond our full understanding.
Tragedy does not mean God is picking favorites. It means that life is fragile, time is sacred, and only God knows the moment each of us will depart this world.
By : Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne
