I told myself I would not write about political or social issues when I started this blog a little over 5 weeks ago. I am compelled today to write about the tragedies that have occurred over the past week in our country. I am writing about it because it is more than a political or social issue, it is a spiritual one, at least for me.
I typically edit my posts before sharing them, however, for this one, I have chosen to present raw material. If you see a typo or grammatical issue, please be kind and ignore it. Those things do not matter at this moment.
Some of us are angry and outraged, some are heartbroken, and then some are fearful as a result of the hatred we are subject to in our country today. Admittedly, I am feeling all of the above. During my morning quiet time, I have asked the questions to God and cried out to Him. Sadness looms over me. It is okay to what to have the answers to our questions, but we might not hear them.
There is purpose in our pain. What could the purpose be for senseless murders? That is a good question. I do not know. I do know, however, there is a purpose for everything that happens. Although it is difficult to understand, it is not up to us to figure it out. We are called to have faith and believe. We were not designed by God to have all of the answers.
“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 8:28 So why do these senseless tragedies happen? I believe they happen as a result of the people who commit them being apart from God. He does not direct us to commit violence, rather He commands us to love one another. It is important for us to understand Satan is at work in these situations. When so many do not have the love of Jesus Christ in their hearts, the works of Satan ensnares them.
John 8:44 tells us, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews that include some Pharisees. In that time, the Pharisees challenged Jesus as the Messiah. They followed the law but followed it for the wrong reasons. He knew their hearts were not true to God.
This important scripture reveals to us Satan’s character. I am comforted during this time knowing this; Jesus is our Savior and Satan is the murderer. It is the time we lay down our weapons of hate and pick up the armor of God. Our struggles are not against each other, our struggles are against Satan and his schemes.
Join me in praying for our broken country and our shattered world. Ready yourselves with the Armor of God. That is our only protection against the hatred. May God bless and protect us all.
Ephesians 6:10-18