"This is what the Lord says:
'Stand at the crosswroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."
Jeremiah 6:16
There simply is no understanding evil. Especially the evil that befell the campus of Virginia Tech on Monday morning, April 16th. But, what we can and should be striving to understand (and asking of ourselves as Christians) is love and how we can extend it to others in light of this tragedy. We, as believers, must love others, and live as Christ. Now is the time to be sharing our AGAPE love with one another We must remember that agape love is that deep, unselfish affection for another person that is only possible with God's Spirit living & dwelling within us. It is the love that Christ extended to us, and it goes out to our enemies, as well as our friends. Yes, the tragedies that befell many students on Tech campus on Monday were not an act of love. But, we as Christians, are called to respond in love. Our lives must exhibit the fragrant aroma of Christ, encouraging others to draw near to Him through our example and outpouring of love from Him. It is through our own journey of drawing near to the Lord, grieving with Him, and allowing Him to heal us that He can be at work through us as we shower love on the many people He brings into our lives to comfort, support, & minister during the aftermath of this tragedy. I know those reading this and that call themselves Christians are not below rising to this challenge. And, I also know that, in rising to this challenge, we will all find personal comfort, healing, and growth. It's awesome to think how, because of Christ's love, every Christian we know (including yourself) can be a person of influence, even in the midst of this difficult and discouraging circumstance. We must remember His love for us, in light of all this evil, and hold fast to the good that will truly come out of it (Romans 8:28), even though it is difficult to fathom at the moment.
In Romans 13:11-12, the verses remind us how this present evil age is ALMOST over. We can hold fast to the hope that Jesus is returning and all evil will be put to rest...evil on earth will be conquered! Our time of deliverance is near & our greatest motivation to live as Christ on earth should be wrapped and centered around the joy of NOT knowing about the time of His return (or our own day of death). Luke 21:25-38 shares signs of the nearing of His return. We should not be fearful of His return, but truly excited...evil will be cast out and love will reign. Jesus will conquer it once & for all and we will all live in peace! And, that time is near. I honestly never think of it necessarily happening in MY lifetime, but it is exciting to think that it seriously COULD! Do you see how, in understanding this present time, we must do all that we can to live faithfully for God, abiding and applying His truth and Word actively in our lives, in order to continue conquering evil and bringing others to Him so that we can all ultimately rest in the promise of His return & eternal life? Nothing conquers evil more than kindness and love. Nothing. There is no greater act of love than to shatter another's darkness with the light of Christ.
I encourage all that find themselves touched by Monday's act of violence to clothe yourselves in the armor of God (from Ephesians 6:10-13). Wear His armor...seek His guidance....look to the Word...follow the roadmap He gives us within the pages of His divinely inspired book. Be one of God's instruments who will equip him/herself with what is needed to step into the light and share God's love with you meet and cross paths with. Allow God's Spirit to flow from you and flow into others.
And, ultimately...find healing.
Prayers are being lifted heavenward daily for all touched by the tragedy on Virginia Tech campus Monday morning.
