We're somber with the news but filled with wonder at a God who defeats death and comforts the broken.We have received many emails and calls to assure that we heard the news from overseas. And yes, indeed we did right away and have stayed tuned throughout the events. The tvs are tuned here and all over Europe so we feel the overwhelming magnitude of this tragedy far away and the support is here as well. It is close to home for us being down the road from our university but despite the location and how close it affects all of us – evil is everywhere and every once and a while it strikes us as a surprise.
In times like this, our thoughts start to question many things. Why do these tragic things happen to people? Where is God when these things happen? How can this happen to good people? It can be incredibly difficult to reason with during a time like this and we believe that the support of the community, families and faith in God will help heal those affected.
Our convictions of God help us understand the meaning of evil vs good and why things like this happen to good people. Its not easy to comprehend and many mixed feelings stir in the minds of those affected directly. It will take time, grace, support, forgiveness, mercy, and love to cope each day moving forward for the surviving victims and the family members.
Evil was brought to campus on Monday and God tells us that there is indeed evil in this world and there will be - until His return someday. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, The Almighty, Who Was and Who Is and Who Is To Come." - Revelation 4:8. Sadly, this is not the last time evil will strike but there is still hope in today’s world. What man intends for evil, God uses for good!! Although, its a huge loss, we believe that events like this can lead to many people getting to know God more and find the truth, the way and life (John 14:6) towards heaven. (John 3:16)
We believe that hope needs to be found in Jesus alone to help us understand and cope why these things happen. Our words are never enough and can seem silly to try to reason during a time like this so what better place to turn to than the Bible where we can lean on the very words of God. Its the ultimate and living tool that God gives us to listen and live by.
Our hearts and love goes out to all the people, families, university leadership and faculty at this time and we pray for comfort and healing today and the difficult days ahead.
If you know anyone at the university looking for support and comfort, New Life Christian Church is ready with arms and hearts open.
http://www.nlcf.net/
Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8
My soul waits in silence for God only;From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation,My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. My soul, wait in silence for God only,For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation,My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest;The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people;Pour out your heart before Him;God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 23-33
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2023-33;&version=31
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Living with what we don’t understand
http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/homeword/11538381/
The Gathering at McLean Bible Church
http://thegatheringonline.blogspot.com/
“…the Lord our God is righteous in everything He does.” Daniel 9:14
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