In my last blog I wrote about a situation which one of my daughters faced with a burst pipe at her home during the severe December weather. To cut a long story short, the resulting damage was such that it forced her to move out of her rented house.

Thankfully everything worked out for good, as she was able to find a better house, and with the help of family and friends was able to get moved and settled in within a few days. I made the point that even bad things which happen in our lives can be turned to good by God.

Of course, the situation which my daughter faced, hard though it seemed at the time, can hardly be called a tragedy. I received an e-mail today which did relate a recent tragic situation, when a young man in his late 20s died very suddenly. I cannot imagine what a painful situation that must be for his parents and the rest of his family and friends. The family involved are a Christian family. Such cases as this truly test the reality (or otherwise) of a person's faith. It's easy to believe in the good times; the real test comes when the storms rage around us. I read a note from the mother of the young man, and was so encouraged (and challenged) by what she wrote:

"Luke’s family, his colleagues and friends, and church friends in Sheffield and Manchester, wish to thank everyone for their cards, messages, prayers and practical support which has made this tragic situation so much easier to deal with, and the comments are making people cry, laugh and feel blessed for having known Luke."

She ended the letter by quoting from St Paul's letter to the church in Rome: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". (Romans 8: 28. That truly is a wonderful example of faith which has been tested and has stood the test.