Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I am reeling . . .
The news of the horrific shooting in Las Vegas hits me with a breath-knocked-out-of-me wallop Monday morning. I am stunned. In shock.
And so deeply grieving for the victims, their families, their friends, there are no words.
I'm penning this post Monday afternoon. Reports at this time tell me the death toll is at 58 and over 500 people are suffering from injuries inflicted during the attack.
I cannot wrap my mind around it. I cannot stop my heart from hurting.
But in the midst of pain and sadness, I hear the words of a caller to one of my favorite talk show hosts. He opens by saying he is by no means comparing tragedies in his life to the magnitude of this latest one, but wishes to share an inspirational phrase that got him through the tough times: Only God can turn a mess into a message.
Wow . . .
Yes, there is sadness and sorrow. But we know, one day, God will wipe away every tear.
Yes, it appears as though evil has won the day, but we must remember that the Lord already has the victory.
And as despicable and heinous this murder spree is, we see a community, a city, a state, and a nation coming together in prayer for all those impacted by this violent, senseless act.
Prayer.
It is our most powerful weapon against Satan's wiles.
So let us continue to pray and pray and pray for those mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Pray that they may move forward, not in fear, but in hope. Hope in the Lord who will be faithful to renew their strength.
Trusting that God will one day transform their heartbroken mess into a healed-heart message.
He is the only One who can.
Amen.
No. Prayer is good- but regulating the purchase and ownership of multiples of guns- and semi-automatic and automatic weapons is what is needed. And, has been so for way too long.
ReplyDeleteI've no idea how this particular, crazed individual got hold of such powerful weapons - hoping that will come to light as the investigation moves forward, Roy.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This post follows beautifully from your last one about being of service. There might be much we can do in a practical way--give money, blood, lobby lawmakers for responsible gun control (if that is your belief)--but what can I do this moment and every moment? I can pray. I can ask to be used as an instrument of peace, of healing, of compassion. I can be, to use a word I read recently, "trustful." Thanks for putting words to the despair that so many are feeling, and for offering words of hope and comfort.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Galen, for your kind words. I so believe in the power of intercessory prayer, especially after witnessing all that Danny and I went through earlier in the year. The peace we both felt in the face of crisis was indescribable. May we all be instruments of God's peace and love.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you for this heart felt cry from the midst of great sorrow. You have expressed it so well for all of us. It doesn't make any sense, and never can. All we can do is pray for these families of the victims, pray for those still fighting for their lives, pray for hearts to be changed throughout our land as we see how fragile this life really is. Pray that the Lord will bring peace and comfort and strength to our land. Thank you for this wonderful message today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela, for your encouraging words. I hardly ever write a post the same day I have to post it, but the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart when I heard that caller's comment regarding God turning a mess into a message. I simply HAD to heed that nudge. Yes, we all need to continue to pray for all those affected by this terrible tragedy and for this nation. Seeing the immediate politicizing of this horrid event just breaks my heart.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, your post is so heart-felt and timely too. You're correct, the Lord has already won the victory, no matter how bad things get in this dark world. It times like this, I'm reminded that evil is a heart issue pure and simple--God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit dwelling within people is what makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard about this horrible tragedy, I struggled to grasp what happened. Now that the news has sunk in a bit, I'm praying. All those in the area will be living with PTSD and perhaps even survivor's guilt. So many prayer needs...so little time...
Love and blessings!
Evil definitely is a heart problem, Kim. We are all in need of a Savior; I feel so sorry for those who do not know the Lord . . .
DeleteSpeaking of PTSD, I heard a caller on a talk show today who was actually at the event when the shooting started. While his girlfriend and he escaped, he stated he is still in shock, and will never forget the carnage he witnessed. Oh, yes, the survivors definitely need our prayers, too.
Love and blessings!
My heart is crying with you, Martha. And praying with you - "Trusting that God will one day transform their heartbroken mess into a healed-heart message." Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think our hearts will be crying for weeks to come, Trudy. There is nothing more senseless than this type of violence. May God see us through to the other side.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, joining you in prayer. Amen and amen. I live only three hours from Vegas. Very sad.
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd be praying, Beckie! Let us keep them up.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, I too am in shock to how the world continues to get uglier and uglier. Long gone are the days when people left their doors open or walked on the street without a care in the world. I don't remember the last time I went out without having to do what I call a security check (checking for emergency exits, refusing to sit with my back against the door, identifying places to take cover in case it is needed, etc). Yet in spite of the evil that seems to lurk in every corner, we must not cave to fear. We must not let the enemy know he has destroyed our trust in God. Prayer is a wonderful tool, but faith...Faith is what gets us through the day. Faith that God has a plan and He has not abandoned us. I'll admit some days it's easier than others to believe this, but if I don't hang on to this, I feel I will drown. Thank you for opening our minds and hearts with your words, my friend. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Bella! Faith is truly what gets us through each and every day. It is such a sad state of affairs when we have to be so vigilant concerning our surroundings in public. My husband and I decided a long time ago to not attend large gatherings because of this. Lord, how I pray for things to change for the better!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen... and most excellent reminder. His ways use all things in this fallen world to bring about His long term will.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers go out with yours to the victims and the community.
Yes, Floyd, I truly believe God can use anything and everything for good. Let us keep on praying!
DeleteLove and blessings!
yes pray, pray, pray. We were flying back from our trip and every time we'd see a tv report the count went up. was surreal and unbelievable. Still is! all we can do is pray and rely on God for strength and peace!
ReplyDeleteYes, Jean, all we can do, and the most important thing of all, is to pray. God hears the cries of His people!
DeleteLove and blessings!
And again, I say, "Amen!" Thanks, Sandi!
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Dear Martha ... thank you for sharing this powerful verse in the midst of all the violent craziness that seems to be defining us more and more.
ReplyDeleteAll we can do is lean into Him more, trust Him more fervently, and look for ways to share His grace in practical ways.
Bless you for taking us there this week, friend.
Thank you, Linda, for your kind and caring words here. Yes, we do need to lean on our loving Father, knowing He has all things in His hands. May all those grieving today find comfort and solace in His arms of grace.
DeleteLove and blessings!