Struck by lightning

A factual account

Struck by lightning! Attendorn, Germany in April 2014. Two men are walking across a big meadow. It is 1:40 pm. A mild thunderstorm is approaching. All of a sudden, both men are struck by lightning. An emergency doctor and an ambulance quickly arrive at the scene. But 25-year-old Daniel died instantly. Dieter, age 46, sustained serious injuries and is rushed to hospital.

“Could this not have been avoided?” “What were those men doing in a meadow with a storm approaching?” It did not seem dramatic to either of them – all they heard was a slight thunder in the distance. Just as they were thinking about seeking shelter, lightning struck. An inconceivably great bolt of energy knocked the two men to the ground. But only one of them survived – the other one died. Why?

Many questions – but are there also answers? Many offered their condolences at the funeral. Yet the same tormenting questions remain: Why Daniel? The set phrase “at the wrong place at the wrong time” is not a satisfactory answer. Was it fate? Why did it kill the younger and healthier one of the two? Why this wretched coffin? Why did not both of them survive? One thing has certainly become clear: Our lives could end at any moment. The astounding thing about Daniel’s misfortune were his convictions. Daniel himself provided the fitting text for his own obituary: “But for me it is good to be near God” (The Bible, Psalm 73:28). This Bible verse was put up on his desk. It had been of great importance to him. And it showed us clearly that, although football had been his great passion, he had found his true, everlasting joy in God. At the age of 17, he started seeking his Creator. He found Him with the help of other Christians and through reading the Bible, God’s Word. This is where he also found the answers to the questions of purpose and meaning of life.

A great comfort! While cleaning up his room, his parents made a precious discovery: Daniel’s will, from which his family derived great comfort. It was not about distributing a few belongings; instead, Daniel had composed caring thoughts for his closest friends. He wanted them to learn something from his walk with God. He had even thought about his own funeral. His will shows us that he counted on God and anticipated life after death – in heaven! He had a clear goal in life. But God called him to Himself from this life. Daniel was a young man who was well prepared for that day. Even though it is very sad to say goodbye, believing Christians always have the wonderful prospect of seeing each other again in heaven!

Every person is invited to accept God’s invitation and receive eternal life.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, says:

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

(The Bible, John 11:25)

Do you believe that? Do you want to put your trust in Jesus Christ and get to know Him personally? Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

Translated from the German tract “Vom Blitz getroffen” with permission from Stiftung Missionswerk Werner Heukelbach (http://www.missionswerk-heukelbach.de).