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 (NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As many may have heard, last Sunday in Maryville, Indiana, a gunman walked into a church, exchanged a few words with the pastor during the service, and opened fire. When the gun jammed, he drew a knife and stabbed himself and others who subdued him. In the end, the pastor, Fred Winters, died of his gunshot injuries. What a terrible tragedy . . . and in a church, no less. I think even criminals who disrespect the rights of others would look at that act and think that's the height of disrespect and evil. We usually think that the church is sacred ground and that evil doesn't enter in. We must think again.
But we must never think that God has lost control, even when a gunman kills a pastor in church. The Word of God declares that God causes all things to work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to his purpose. In reading the testimonies of this man's life, it's obvious how much he loved Jesus and gave his all to serve his God. And listen to the testimony of his widow: He "died doing what he loved -- communicating the hope found in Jesus Christ. God is so much bigger than this situation, and our hope and trust is in Him."
God is so much bigger than this situation...
This woman shares a testimony to the world of a person of great faith in God's sovereignty, power, and purpose. In the midst of her grief and the swirl of paparazzi over this outrageous and heinous act against her husband, she can and does trust in God. She knows that He works all things together for good -- even the bad, the awful, the horrific.
I know that God is using her testimony to speak to people who have no faith in God or who are weak in their faith. How do I know? Have I heard reports of people getting saved on the heels of her testimony or seen re-dedications to God because of it? No. But I know, because that is the miracle of the mighty Spirit of God, to move in people's hearts and minds by the testimony of believers, often on the heels of heartache, brokenness and tragedy. How followers of Christ react to life events is powerful to touch the hearts and minds of those who struggle with these same events, yet have no God to turn to and no power to deal with them.
If you are a believer and are struggling with difficulties, I must encourage you to rise up and be counted as one who stands on the truth of the Almighty God -- that He is in control and works all things together for good -- and develop a faith that can withstand the onslaught of negative circumstances. We are called to be beacons of light to those lost in darkness, who need to see their way to the Savior. May we increase our faith, so that we understand and embrace the truth of God's ability to make beauty for ashes...
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
~ Beauty for Ashes, by Crystal Lewis
Love,
Joelene
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment