Through Tragedy

On July 20^th James Holmes walked into a theater in Aurora, CO and proceeded to wreck havoc on innocent people.  No motive, just more questions than answers.  That day as I listened to news coverage on the radio and as I prayed for those who had been killed; those who were missing; the survivors, families and everyone involved, I couldn’t help but pray to God and tell him how great He was.  Despite the tragedy that occurred, God is still good.  “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3  God is good and He is worthy, simply because of who He is: Jehovah Shalom, Prince of Peace; Jehovah Jireh, Provider; Jehovah Nissi, banner (of victory).   “The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (AMP)  God is still on the throne and, despite what many believe, He’s still in control.

Like every day, I went home.  I fixed dinner for my family.  We ate.  We got ready for bed.  I did my daily Bible study.  I prayed.  I went to sleep.  The following morning I woke up with this bearing on my mind.  Some of you know what I’m talking about.  It’s like someone is whispering n your ear; or talking you out of sleep.  But this was different.  It was as if someone was yelling at me and I knew I had to write it down.  The day before in the midst of tragedy, I thought of God.  I praised God despite the heartache and despite the devastation.  Some people might criticize and condemn me as a mindless sheep; some would say that we turn to God and think of Him too much.  The truth is, we don’t think of Him enough.  In the middle of all this chaos, we should turn to Him.  And if we were blessed enough to open our eyes the following morning, we should be on our knees thanking Him.  He holds our breath in our hands.  He has so many resources at his fingertips.  He controls the ocean; the sun; the moon.  And even with all that, He loves us.  He loves us unconditionally.  Even with everything He has, He only wants us.  His desire is me.  His passion is you.  After all, He gave His Son for us.  Whether we are good; whether we are bad; whether we believe in Him; whether we don’t, He still loves us.  Through it all, His love remains.

And with saying that, I believe it’s important that we also remember to pray for Holmes and his family.  Despite his actions, God still loves him as well.  Every soul is worth saving and I do hope and pray he realizes that and he makes restitution.  If we love God, we are to love the sinner, yet hate the sin.  Only God truly knows the answers to the questions we have asked since Friday.  And only God can bring peace.  Countless disasters have occurred and countless souls have come to know God because of them.  For what evil has planned, God has a counter.  Never underestimate His power and His intelligence.  And if we stand with God, who can come against us?  No one.  Romans 8:28-30