Scripture: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (New Living Translation)

I am sure everyone takes time for personal reflection during desperate times. I see that our entire nation huddles together to support those who are in peril. This past week we witnessed the horror of one man’s personal struggles played out in a vicious massacre of innocent people. There was no warning. There was no time to prepare. There was no clear right or wrong way to handle this unforeseen crisis. The thing that is clearer to me every time we are faced with tragedy is the desperate need for the peace of God within us. We can’t always control the circumstances, but we can control how we react to those desperate times.

I hope that you as Christians realize the sovereignty of our great and awesome God. He is on His throne no matter where we are or what is happening. I hate that there seems to be endless tragedy and turmoil! But I delight in the way those things drive us to our knees in prayer! Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that God targets people or places with calamity. But nothing happens in this world that does not pass through God’s hands. He is more aware of our circumstances than we are and I am thankful that He is in charge. I don’t think any of us would ever choose the difficult road, but if we did not go down that lane, then we might miss those things along that highway.

I hope that you will unite with me in thanking God during the suffering and struggles of those who are affected by the tragedy in Blacksburg, Virginia. Let’s not focus on the calamity of it all. Let’s focus on The One Who can speak peace in the midst of the storm, let’s focus on Jesus! I am thankful that many are calling out to God for both help and strength. I am thankful that those who have lost their lives will not have died in vain, but that God will use this that Satan meant for evil to bring glory to our Father in heaven. I am thankful for those who are willing to dedicate their lives to education and homeland security. We are a very blessed nation and we have much for which to be thankful.

Leslie Stephens
Winchester, TN

Prayer: Great and sovereign God, I thank you for your mercy that keeps us looking to you for strength and guidance. Help us to overcome the fear in this world with a peace and trust in your abilities and not our own. Help us to overcome our unbelief! AMEN!

Prayer Tip: Thankfulness and praise usher us into the presence in of God. He inhabits the praises of His people! Praise him when you pray!!!

4-18-07