Finding Faith in Tragic Times

This has been a rough week, no matter how you rate it!

We began the week with the bombing at the Boston Marathon and then woke up this morning to news of an explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas.

In our 24/7 Information Age, it is easy to get constant updates while hearing story after story about these events. There is a sense of shock that often finds us glued to various sources of news, waiting for the latest update on the story or the next sudden & tragic event.

When we hear a constant barrage of this kind of news, it is easy to think that our world is spiraling out of control. All of this serves to make us more anxious and fearful.

The Bible reading plan I use is taking me through Revelation right now and when I read through the beautiful descriptions of Heaven, I was reminded of an important truth: this world is not our ultimate destination.

I don't share that to justify giving up on this world or to imply that there is nothing we can or should do to try to make a difference in this world. The images of Heaven remind me that our ultimate destination is to live eternally in God's Kingdom under God's rule and reign.

As we journey to our ultimate destination, we are assured that we are never alone, so there is no need to fear or be anxious. God is with us wherever we go and through whatever may happen to us. The events of the past week are not the result of anything God has done or a part of God's plan for the world. They are the tragic result of the misuse of the freedom we have been given as a gift!

You see, God took a risk when He created humanity with the freedom to choose--the freedom for great love brings the risk of great evil. It is the one choosing, not the One that created, who is to blame.

So, remember that God is with You, so you need not be anxious or afraid. Look to God's word for comfort and reassurance:

"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love." (1 John 4:16, 18 NLT)

"I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears." (Psalms 34:4 NLT)

"The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" (Psalms 118:6 NLT)

"Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying." (Hebrews 2:14, 15 NLT)

These are just a few of the more than 365 verses in the Bible that tell us not to fear!

Another thing we can do to help us in times like this is unplug. Don't watch the news, disconnect from the latest update, give your mind and spirit a rest. Listen to worship music or some kind of music that you find renewing or soothing. Pray for those affected by these events and those responding. Find ways to live out your love for God in practical ways to those around you.

It is ok to be shocked and to grieve, but not to worry or be anxious. Remember, you matter more to God than the birds of the air & flowers of the fields, yet He takes care of them. How much more will not take care of you?!

I leave you with these words from Jesus, right before He ascended to Heaven: "Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”"(Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!

Pastor Matt