Three days ago an insane man gunned down over 30 people at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, of which 26 lost their lives. As the story continues to unfold it has been made known that he was abusive and had escaped from a mental facility before committing these atrocious acts of violence. In times of mass hysteria and chaos, people try to find something or someone to blame. In this instance, some have chosen to use this catastrophe as a political opportunity; others, as an opportunity to point out America’s depravity and her turning away from God. While I agree that depravity exists in America, it is difficult to conclude that America has turned away from God because of the reality that sin has always existed on our shores—and truly around the globe.
The ripple effects of this mass shooting continue to reach further than anyone could have imagined, even to the point that prayer itself has come under attack. People are questioning the validity of prayer, regardless of who the prayer is to, whether it be to a false god or to the One True God. I believe this reaction is in large part due to the fact that people cannot fathom how this kind of evil can take place—or how a loving God could allow it to take place. I believe that prayer is vital in all times, not just during tragedy. Throughout Scripture we find evidence of the monumental importance of prayer. Abraham prayed. Moses prayed. David prayed (of which many are written down in the Psalms). Solomon prayed. The prophets prayed. The apostles prayed. Jesus, the Son of God, prayed.
Therefore, when you feel overwhelmed with these questions and a feeling of hopelessness, I would encourage you to turn to the only place of Truth that we have in this world—the Bible—and recall these truths regarding the situation in which the world currently resides.
Evil exists in this world due to the Fall of Man (Gen 2-3). The choice that Adam and Eve made to sin opened the floodgate for evil to enter the world.
God’s allowance of or prevention of acts of evil are a direct result of His divine will. We are not necessarily going to understand when or why evil takes place in the world, nor are we supposed to understand (Isa 55:8). We must trust in the Lord regardless of the events and circumstances that take place around us (Pro 3:5).
Persecution of Christ followers has existed since Christ walked the earth some 2,000 years ago. In fact, persecution has always existed in the history of God’s people (Acts 7:52; and the Old Testament major and minor prophets). As believers, we are continually warned in Scripture of our impeding persecution (Matt 5, 10, 23; Luke 11:49, 21:12; John 15:20).
In light of the persecution that has come and is still coming, the Lord gives us powerful and inspirational instructions through the Apostle Paul. How are we to treat those who persecute us? We are told to bless them and do not curse them (Rom 12:14). Why? Because “we have this treasure in jars of clay [the gospel of Christ within our lowly bodies], to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (2 Cor 4:7-10) And like Paul we must be “content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities,” because when we are weak, we are strong through the strength we have only through Jesus Christ (2 Cor 12:10). In all of these things we are more than conquerors because there is nothing, absolutely nothing, in all creation that has the power to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:37-39). Therefore, “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).
Be encouraged dear family! Ours is the victory in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Brent Thompson
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