On September 12, 2001, many people in remote areas of Alaska hadn’t heard the news that shook the world (9/11). Hunters were stranded, waiting for their small planes to pick them up. They had no communication because cell phones were still fairly new and didn’t work out there anyway. Eventually an Alaskan senator got special permission for the planes to fly, worried that people would panic and start to hike their way out or die from lack of supplies.

Knowing the kind of anger and irritation they would face when they landed, bush pilots carried newspapers to explain the enormity of the situation and why they were late. Fear and anger turned to understanding because the stranded people saw the truth.

Enormous heartache and sadness and problems on this earth leave you feeling like those hunters. You have no idea what’s going on. Why aren’t the plans you made being carried out? Where is the person who’s supposed to help you? How will this all turn out? 

It’s easy to ask the same questions that King David asked: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1).

You might not get the answers you’re looking for now, but when angels come flying in to take you home to heaven, it will all make sense. Until then, remind yourself of this: “But I trust in [God’s] unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13:5,6).