How could GOD let this happen?

During the recent spate of “mass shootings” I have heard a number of people say, “How could a Good God allow this to happen?” Anne Graham (Rev. Billy Graham’s daughter) was once asked that very question by a reporter regarding a hurricane. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, “I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?”

Wow. Ouch.

Do you know anyone who is suffering from anything in this world? Have they said something like: “I am not sure I can do this alone.”? Newsflash: they are not supposed to! Jesus said (in Matthew 11:28): "Come to me all who are weary or carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." The whole point of having a relationship with God- is so He can help you get through life. When we reject God, He will let us try to do it on our own. But most people will fail, because it is not the way we were designed to operate. Every human who has ever existed has a God shaped hole in them waiting to be filled. If you never invite God to fill it, you will never feel complete.

Somebody is going to say: “But Jesus isn’t on the earth anymore. How do I get that help?” That is what Christ started the church for! Those of us who believe in Jesus are supposed to be the ones helping to guide and lead others to God for His miraculous healing. James, Jesus’ little brother, taught the early church to “pray for one another that you might be healed”. WE are supposed to be a team. When someone we know is hurting, ill, or suffering- it is supposed to be the local faith community that rallies around them, prays for them, and helps them get through their challenges. Not let them go through the trial alone. Yet in every tragic shooting I have read about recently, the shooter has been considered a social outcast and loner. Often they are from a broken family, and NOT ONE Christian has stepped into their life or the life of their family to make a difference.

I once heard a preacher say far too many churches have become beauty pageants instead of hospital wards. I find this is painfully true as I travel and preach. So many places are uncomfortable when I talk about the struggles I have in my life. So many believers do not want to admit to anyone that they need prayer or worldly help- because they are worried about their image. Newsflash- God knows what YOUR REAL image is, and He STILL loves YOU!

If the people who come to our churches don’t feel safe enough to be authentically themselves, our churches are not being the family we are supposed to be. Therefore we can’t be image of Christ our communities desperately need. Jesus said to do as I have done; Paul taught share one another's burdens; the book of Acts says the believers shared their lives and helped one another in their needs.

Get the picture yet?

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