I'm not politically sound enough, educated on gun control enough, or even very intelligent enough, so you could surely read more posts that are much more encouraging and well-written than mine about the Sandy Hook Shooting on Friday. But as I live through (above all others, a Christian) and get ready to live through (still, above all others, a Christian) all the things listed above, I find it harder and harder to ignore the shooting.
Everyone knows what happened. For far too many people, worlds stopped spinning on Friday. Glasses of optimism were turned upside down, water pouring out until absolutely nothing was left. Parents, siblings, teachers, principals, public safety, Christians, non-Christians, everyone is left wondering how and why.
The question is asked over and over and I'd be lying if I said that I had an answer right away: "Where is God?"
"Where is your God" would probably be more accurate of a question for a large percentage of modern-day America. Being a Christian does not make this question that much easier to answer for me, if I can be real about it. I would be lying if I said I didn't ask myself the same question. That probably makes me look really bad as a Christian and I'm sorry about that.
I think that a lot of Christians (ME, ME, ME) today struggle with accepting God in some ways and rejected Him in others. Like seeking God when we have a hard test coming up, but not seeking Him when it comes to a future spouse. Trusting God with fixing our future, but living sinful, unjustified, "I-wouldn't-even-get-close-to-that-mess" lives now. Praising God when times are good, but bashing God when things get rough.
It seems that a lot of Christians (STILL ME) have bailed on God in the recent days. Forgetting the character of God, we've resorted to trying to figure out the whys.
Forget that God is faithful. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God is sovereign. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God is just. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God will forever reign. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God is the Alpha and the Omega. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God commands all things. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God is the only Healer. Why did this happen, God?
Forget that God loves us. Why did this happen, God?
If God is good all the time, why did this happen? If God is for His people, why did this happen?
It's important for us to realize that God has a plan for all things, even the bad things. He is working, even in this. He is good, even in this. He is here in the valley. He is loving even when He is hard to find. He is hope when there is no hope.
A little off topic, but seriously, I would be a wreck if I wasn't a Christian. There would be no hope for tomorrow. No light at the end of the tunnel. I remember living that way and thinking that way. Hallelujah for my Savior. Hallelujah that He pulled me out of that.
Anyway, we have to remember that God has a plan. I've heard Steven Curtis Chapman describe it this way-
When we look at a picture and we're standing really close to it, it's so hard to understand what it is. We can only focus on certain parts, only the parts we see. But when we can step back and look at the bigger picture, it will all begin to make sense.
Here on earth, days later, it's beyond difficult to understand the murder of 26 people, 20 of those children ages 6-7. We can't make sense of it. And I may sound psycho and screwed up for even saying this, but I honestly believe that one day on Heaven's side of things, we'll all be able to understand. The picture will make sense when we see the whole thing. On this side of eternity, it's unfathomable ever being able to get it. But if there's anything I know, it's that we worship the King of kings and I know that He has a plan. In the pit, He has a plan and He is still working. I've seen it with my own life. Our God is good. Our God is hope.
Prayer Time: God, I pray for the families directly affected by this horrible incident. I pray that you surround them with hope, love, adoration, comfort, and a peace that only you could ever supply. I pray for the sin of our nation, God. I pray that Christians around the world would take this as the best time ever to rise up and shine for You. I pray that you give us strength, endurance, and encouragement to stand for Your name. I pray for the leaders of our country, God, that they would lead and seek wisdom for the future of our nation. We may not understand all they do, but we know that you have put them in line and that there is a reason for you putting them in the leadership positions that they are in. Thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for your sin because in Him and only Him are our sins paid. Thank you for loving us when we are so unlovable. I pray that we take nothing for granted and live precious lives in light of you. Thank you for all that you're doing, God, even here. Thank you for the firm hope we have in you and your name. Thank you for the promise of a better day. It's in your son's name that I pray, amen.
Romans 8:28- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:31-39- "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised-- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
By the way, "more than conquerors" is my next tattoo.
By by the way, because of recent events, I've decided that after majoring in Christian Ministries I'll be going into Children's Ministry. I love the babies and I cannot, cannot, CANNOT wait to help them.
By by by the way, I love you guys that read this and put up with my rambling. I'm praying for you guys, even those of you I don't know by name. Y'all give me strength and bless me more than I can explain.
By by by by the way, sorry for the confused rambling, I couldn't formulate this into a very well-written post.
By by by by by the way, <3.
Yours is the victory. All glory, honor, power is Yours, amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment