The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 NIV
Recently in Birmingham, Alabama a little 3 year old girl was kidnapped and later found murdered. This horrific act opens the door for lots of questions. How can people be so evil? What makes a person do such an evil thing? How afraid should we be that this type of evil may be all around us? How are we supposed to protect our children?
Every tragedy stirs up fear with the realization that we are not in control of life as much as we think that we are. For some this can lead to hopelessness. For the follower of Jesus we look beyond the experience to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.
Here are three tangible steps forward
Comforter – Jesus indicated that bad things will happen in this world. He never leaves us during those trials. He provides a comfort that only God can give. If you know people going through traumatic events, take a moment to pray for an abiding peace to settle over their hearts and minds. Jesus presence communicates that we are not alone.
Victor – Jesus is light and his kingdom is light. Darkness may last for a little while, but it will yield and give way to light. Keep the scoreboard in mind. Jesus won the battle with His suffering and death on the cross. He fought the battle on our behalf and won. Even the death of a little child will not derail Jesus victory. Pray for a thankfulness of Jesus sacrifice on our behalf and the reward of eternity in heaven.
Hope – Discouragement is always whispering in our ears that we are losing the battle. We may feel that sin is growing stronger and the church is becoming weaker. Where sin abounds, grace super abounds. Receive hope today that every time you take a moment to share the good news of Jesus, light shines in the darkness.
Declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Ask God to fill your thinking and spirit with hope. May the Holy Spirit speak to you specific thoughts and actions of hope. The darkness of the world does not overcome God’s light ( which the greek word for overcome also means comprehend). Receive hope today.
Blessings Love y’all