Who can explain children dead at the hand of a monster? How can a mother feel safe dropping her 5 year old off at school? Why do these things happen? What are we to feel and how do we respond?
I have to admit I continue to be shocked each day at the pervasive evil that is rampant in our world. There have been days this year I just want to lie down and give up.
But Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
We long for peace and joy and harmony. We love to feel secure when we take our kids to school, or let them play outside, or when we go to the mall or go to a theater.
But if we expect to find peace and security in this world, we have misplaced hope. We live in a dark world and it is getting darker by the minute.
Our peace must come from Jesus.
Don’t let this tragedy shake your faith. Our faith is in Jesus Christ who died for the world because it IS dark and evil.
Thank God this is not all there is. There IS more to come. His kingdom will come and peace will reign. In the meantime there is work to do; there are tears to shed. Our hearts will be wrenched with grief, like they are tonight, but we must remember this:
He has not forsaken us! He is with us still! Apart from Jesus, there is no hope. None.
But Jesus was born. He did die for us. And He was raised again from the dead! There IS life after death. And we not without hope! Take courage tonight. Take courage in Jesus!
