In the Midst of Tragedy

Sadly, many teens and children witnessed a domestic shooting, in our community, including the child of the two deceased.  A godly friend of mine had two of his children there and said I could share.  We chose not to include location or names so the Lord receives the honor for how He ordains His work even through children!  Coming third hand I may not have some of the details right but the one fact I am sure of is even in the midst of tragedy, God is working!

As soon as the gunshots were heard his teen daughter took the son inside with all of the other panicked adults, teens and children.  The teen daughter comforted the boy.  There was another younger girl who was crying and scared she was going to die.  My friend's younger daughter told her everything would be ok.  She went on to tell her about Heaven and how there would be no more sadness or fear there.  The little girl told her she did not know if she was going to Heaven.  John 14: 6, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

My friend's daughter told her how to pray for God to come into her heart.  The little girl wanted to and together, they prayed the prayer of salvation!  In the midst of tragedy a soul was saved!   James 5: 20, "remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."  A child led a child to Christ!

I am reminded of Romans 8: 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Free will, not God, caused these things to happen but as horrific as they are, God will bring good.  He wastes nothing!  I told my friend they did something right raising their kids!  Proverbs 22: 6, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

Throughout Scripture, God is very clear about our responsibility as parents.  Deuteronomy 5: 6-7, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  We never know when God is going to use us or our children and we need to be prepared!  2 Corinthians 6: 2, "I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation."

PVUMC, let’s continue praying for our community, God hears our prayers!  As Pastor Tim says, let’s be a shining light for our community.  Let’s continue sharing the gospel - we never know when God is going to use us or our children.  We all need to be prepared.