As I busied myself doing the things I normally do, typing, researching, preparing contracts, editing, picking up the dry cleaning, putting gas in my car, picking up Chinese food – people in the city of Paris’ lives were being forever changed.
Isn’t it strange how that happens?
The sky was bluer than it has been for quite some time. I took a long walk only to hear the news of the horrific events. I thought of the mother’s, the spouse’s, the children of the victims. I thought of the phone calls authorities had the difficult tasks of making to notify them. I thought of the father’s, brother’s and friend’s.
People say it is a different world we’re living in – same world – same evil – we just hear about it on the spot.
Philippians 4:13, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It is a scripture many quote when attempting to accomplish something, and rightly so; but, the scripture is more about endurance. It is telling us that even in the darkest of times, He will give us the ability to persevere, to make it, to get through it. I didn’t realize its true meaning until I needed those words just to put one foot in front of the other, when evil had delivered quite a blow to me. His very presence in my life enabled me to open my eyes and find hope, even when there appeared to be none.
A terrorist faction has claimed responsibility for the deaths of so many beautiful people. And in a world rocked with repeated tragedies, the scripture still stands. It is through Him we find what we need to get through the tragedies of life.
My prayers are in Paris as investigators try to piece together the horrific events of the past few days. My prayers are with the families, friends, and co-workers of those killed or injured.
Whatever you are facing today, know that Christ is the source of strength. He will get you through it. While it is easy to be anxious and concerned for the world, remember Who wins in the end. The victory is His.
Proverbs 24:20, “For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
