In the Face of the Unthinkable

Yesterday I came in from the store & did what I usually do - flip on the TV, but what I saw was not in any way usual.  There had been an elementary school shooting.  I sat glued to the screen for the next couple of hours, learning the grim & unthinkable details that the majority of the victims were little children.  It seems impossible to understand.  How can we go on?  This world can be such a frightening place.  How can Christmas go on?

It's then I was reminded of other similar tragedies, like the shooting at an Amish school in 2006, that left families grieving over innocent children lost.  Those families made the choice to forgive - though it was not an easy choice.  

God is still in control & those sweet children are now with Him - they will experience no more pain.  They are with their Father.  But it will be a deep valley for those left behind, & it is only through Christ that it will be endured.  Please join me in praying for the families of victims, the surviving children & their families, & that entire community, & our nation.  

Dear God,

We don't understand this unimaginable tragedy.  We know this world is full of evil and the devil is indeed lurking like a lion.  You are still in control, we know.  Please bring comfort & peace that passes all understanding to all those involved.  To those who lost their children please hold them in Your strong arms.  May they know You as their Savior & King, so they can have the hope to see their children once again in the future & to live again in the present.  Help us to react in a way that is pleasing to You & to choice to forgive, as You have forgiven us & for our own sake to not harbor poisoning unforgiveness.  Please be with our nation & restore our safety & let those who seek to do evil be stopped.    

In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.        

Here is the powerful movie that was created about the Amish school shooting...    

Strength & Love Through Christ,

-Bess-