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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Reflect
In the early afternoon hours of July 25, 1956, the cruise liner Stockholm left New York Harbor on its regularly scheduled route to its home port in Sweden. The trip was uneventful at first, but in the late evening, the Stockholm approached a dense fog bank. Inside the fog was another ship, the Andrea Doria, bound for New York from Italy. The crews of the two ships became aware of each other, but because of the fog — and because radar of the time limited their ability to pinpoint a location — they actually steered into each other’s path. At 11:10 p.m., the Stockholm and Andrea Doria collided in one of history’s most famous incidents at sea.
The Stockholm survived the collision, largely because it had a reinforced ice-breaking prow. The Andrea Doria was not as fortunate. The impact gashed an enormous hole in the ship’s side, allowing water to gush into its hold and dooming the ship to eventual sinking. At 10:09 the next morning — less than 12 hours after the collision — the Andrea Doria slipped beneath the surface and sank to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, where it rests today. Amazingly, of the 1,706 passengers and crew aboard, only 46 people lost their lives that evening.
Two of the dead were eight-year-old Joan Cianfarra and her father, Camille. They had been sleeping in neighboring cabins along with Joan’s half-sister, Linda Morgan, and her mother, Jane. Tragically, their cabins were at the point of impact, and Joan and Camille were killed instantly, and Jane was severely injured. But Linda was somehow not only spared — she was thrown from her bed on the Andrea Doria to safety on the Stockholm. In the confusion, she managed to grasp the situation, calling out, “I was on the Andrea Doria. Where am I now?”
In the weeks that followed, the press began to report on the “Miracle Girl of the Andrea Doria,” but Linda was happy to escape the limelight and pursue a normal life again in spite of the tragedy. In an interview 40 years later, she said, “I never understood the attention I got because I didn’t do anything, I just survived. I was once given a life-saving award, but I didn’t save any lives. I just survived. I couldn’t take credit for anything.” Today, she’s Linda Hardberger, the wife of the former mayor of San Antonio. She has been a teacher, a librarian and is now the curator of an arts foundation.
Tragedy is never easy. In fact, it’s one of the most difficult questions Christians face. Why does God allow tragedy? Why do some people die when others are spared? What am I supposed to do when my loved ones are taken away? To the first two questions, I have to be honest — I don’t know. But I do know that Jesus told us that would be the case: “ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Note that He said “you will have tribulation.” Not might. Not maybe. Will. But also note that Jesus tells us that in spite of the trials, He has “overcome the world.” No matter what the world throws our way, we have the Lord to help us through it.
I also know that we will never understand everything in this life, at least not in the way that events connect, intersect and play a part in the big picture. Paul wrote that, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) One day, the Lord will reveal to us details that help us make sense of things, but that will come in the next life. Until then, we are reminded to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Tragedy is guaranteed to be a part of our lives at various points. When it comes, place your faith in the One who promised that He has overcome the world. Trust in Him to make sense of everything and to guide your steps to safety on the other side.
Reflection copyright © 2024 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
