There is Hope after Tragedy

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:11-14 NKJV

In a story titled “Drunk driver sentenced for killing Eugene marathon runner” published Wednesday, it was reported that a man found guilty in the death of a well-known Eugene educator and musician out for a morning run last spring has been sentenced to 75 months in prison.

Scott Stolarczyk was found guilty by a jury last week after a three-day trial of second-degree manslaughter and DUI for Sharon Shuman's death on the Amazon running path. Stolarczyk drove off the roadway and struck Shuman, who had been a professor at the University of Oregon, an accomplished violinist and a marathon runner.

Stolarczyk had claimed he blacked out during a coughing fit while driving. However, his blood alcohol level was more than twice the presumed legal limit at 0.19%.

In addition to more than six years in prison, he will be on post-prison supervision for 45 months after his release. He will lose his driver's license for life.

In an online video, Stolarcyzk shared a quick statement before the sentence was read:

"There are no words I can say to fully apologize for what I have done to Mrs. Schuman and her family and my friends and family. I take full responsibility for my actions and I hope to come out of this a better person."

And, you know, while this story is truly a tragedy, there is hope for Scott to “come out of this a better person” if he chooses to turn from his sin and to turn to God with reverent fear.

You see, God’s mercy is as high as the heavens are above the earth “toward those who fear Him.” This great mercy is the compassionate, unearned, and loving withholding of punishment that humanity deserves due to sin. It is a divine, active, and infinite lovingkindness that forgives mistakes, offers comfort, and restores relationships. Essentially, God’s mercy means not receiving the judgment we deserve. 

Now, while God’s mercy won't eliminate the consequences of a person’s sin in this world, it will eliminate the punishment they are deserving of in the next world. Pretty amazing right?  

And if that’s not enough to understand how good God is, consider that the sins of those who love, trust, and fear Him are removed entirely as far as the east is from the west. That means those who fear God can have their records wiped clean! 

What does this fear look like exactly? Well…this fear of the Lord is not the type of terror, dread, and panic that terrifies and immobilizes a person but a profound, reverent awe and deep respect for God's holiness, authority, and power. It's an attitude of love and obedience, that acknowledges the Lord's greatness and leads to a deep desire to please Him, to honor Him, and to depart from your wrongdoing. 

Furthermore, "as a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." Do you get that? Not only does the Lord grant mercy and forgiveness to all those who fear Him, He acts with fatherly compassion to them as well. 

Why? Because God understands human frailty and grasps man's inherent weakness to sin. Because of that, God doesn't treat us solely according to our sins and failings but understands that we are prone to make messes of our lives (and the lives of others) when we go astray, and yet chooses to care for us anyway. 

I don't know about you, but the realization of how much God loves us reminds me that there is no one beyond redemption who chooses to turn from their wicked ways and turn to God in reverent fear. That means, no matter what a person might have done, there is hope after tragedy. There is hope in the One who extends abundant mercy and completely removes the transgressions from all who fear Him. 

So, if you're in need of hope after tragedy today, turn to the Lord and allow Him to change your life my friend. This forgiveness won't remove the consequences from your wrongdoing, but it will give you a new start and allow you to come out of your trial a better person who’s intent on serving God and obeying His commands. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to love us the way that You do. We are all sinners gone astray and yet You, like a good Father, always welcome us back. Help the person who needs forgiveness and a new start turn to You today Lord, so they can experience your great love, kindness, and mercy. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!