MARCH 3
Psalm 44
Psalm 44:23-24, “Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?”
The psalmist, after recalling times past when God led his people to victories, lamented the fact that God had abandoned them. Defeated and disgraced, he pleaded with God: Why are you sleeping? Why are you hiding? Why have you forgotten us? The psalmist’s questions are not that uncommon. We tend to wonder about such things when things don’t go as expected or especially if we are met with some sort of tragedy.
Jerry Sittser and his family were returning home from a visit to an Indian reservation. It was dark. “Ten minutes into our trip home,” Jerry said, “I noticed an oncoming car on a lonely stretch of highway driving extremely fast. I slowed down at a curve, but the other car did not. It jumped its lane and smashed head-on into our minivan. In an instant, a tragic accident claimed three generations of my family: my mother, my wife, and my young daughter.” In Jerry Sittser’s book, A Grace Disguised, he describes his painful journey through grief and questions regarding where God was in his tragedy.
For a long time, the memory of the traumatic accident deeply haunted and tormented Jerry, replaying in his mind both awake and asleep. One sleepless night, he saw the accident in a different light, standing with his children near the accident site, witnessing the collision again. This time, a divine light illuminated the scene, revealing not only the destruction but also God’s presence, offering comfort and peace. While the waking dream didn’t provide answers to why the accident occurred, it brought a sense of peace, knowing God was there to welcome his loved ones home and guide the survivors toward healing.
At the heart of Jerry’s reassurance were the unchanging realities of the nature of God and his promises. God is good. He does good (Psalm 119:68). Even when things go “bad,” God causes them to work together for good (Romans 8:28). He is with us and has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, and that promise holds true no matter what!
We may not know the answer to the question why, but we can trust the One who knows.
Application Questions: Have you ever asked God “why” regarding something that happened in your life? Why is it important amid such circumstances to keep one’s focus on the good nature and faithful promises of God?
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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