My heart and prayers continue to go out to the families of those whose loved ones were taken in yet another horrific shooting.  Although this one was close to home, I cannot imagine how family and friends of the victims are feeling.  I am thankful for the young man who was on the scene and prevented further loss of life.  What’s the problem with our culture?  What’s the solution?  Our world is in chaos!  We could come up with multiple answers to the problem, but at the root it is what the Bible calls sin - the fallen nature of mankind.  We could come up with as many solutions as well, but there is only one true cure. The bible has the answer - God’s word to mankind.  God is able. God is willing, but we must look to Him - look to Jesus, for the cure. The psalmist gives a condition and promise in chapter 125, “Those who trust in the LORD (the condition) are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever (the promise).”  I can’t think of anything that would move one off their foundation then the recent events, but even in that, God promises those that trust in Him - will not be moved! Humanly speaking that is hard to imagine, but God is able!

A living faith in troubled times becomes even more dependent upon God.

We might not always know the “why” of the tragedies of life.  We may still have more questions than answers, but a living faith continues to trust in the sovereignty of God and His word.  We continue to walk by faith even if our circumstances don’t change.  I like how Warren Wiersbe puts it, “God doesn’t always change the circumstances, but He can change us to meet the circumstances.  That’s what it means to live by faith.”

The prophet Habakkuk had a godly burden and vision for his nation and God’s people.  He responded by waiting upon God and prayer.  As he prayed “O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years!” 

I’m praying for the comfort and healing of the families affected from the recent shooting. I’m praying for the healing of our nation. I’m praying for the revival of God’s people.  I’m trusting God to honor His promises, but too, knowing that I must be willing to meet the condition.

If I am willing, God is more than able and willing!

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways (the condition), then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (the promise).”

• 2 Chronicles 7: 14

Pastor Rodney