God's Comfort & Grace in Tragedy

2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 

I was going continue writing on marriage today but after yesterdays deplorable actions of one man, I felt led to discuss what many people are thinking right now. As a Father my heart breaks for those parents in Connecticut who lost someone so sweet and special, a child. Now many of us, as parents, would ask "where is God in all this?" or "why did He let this happen?" I believe these things are not  Gods plan for any of us, no more than an airplane falling from the sky or any other accident. Yet I absolutely believe our Father was right there with those children comforting them in their time of need. Just as He is there for the grieving family members. The scripture above promises this for us. 

As the events of this world become more unforgiving, we should remember to turn our hearts to God for guidance, Love and comfort. Everywhere we turn we see the enemy's hand at work. Surrounding us is death, divorce and general destruction of this world. But through it all stands one beacon of Hope and Promise. We are promised to find Peace in all things and that they work together for our good. 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. God knows when we are suffering and he asks us to live through Him so that He may comfort us. He will give us peace in these troubling times as He tells us in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

Our flesh wants to put some explanation on this horrible event and others like it.  When in fact God also prepares us for those questions. Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. I believe, in incidents such as the school shooting that there would be no excuse good enough to fulfill my worldly questions about such things, therefore God tells us to just trust in Him and He will provide our comfort and peace. Remember, He knows all to well what it feels like to lose a child. He grieves with those who suffer in a special way, because of this intimate knowledge of this loss. Let God cradle you in His Love and carry you into peace. Know He also cradles those children right now and they are enjoying the playgrounds of Heaven. We trust Him with our children here, we should also trust Him with them in His Kingdom. 

I want to also ask each of you to pray, not just for the innocent victims and their families, but also the other children that were in the school as well as the father and brother of the suspect. They too hurt and question how someone they Loved could do something so senseless, while a whole world is looking to them for answers when there actually may not be any. We know, God is holding them too and helping them through these times of need. As parents lets take an extra moment to Love on our children and families. Take that moment also, to thank God for the ability to share another moment with them. Tomorrow is not promised, yet eternal life is. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." So please if you haven't made that decision yet, take a moment and pray the prayer at the end of this article. Our Father doesn't want a single one of you to perish into the "lake of fire", he only wants to forgive and Love you.

Lets Pray: Father God, we come to You today with heavy hearts. Our hearts hurt for the families of this horrible school event Father. We ask that You wrap all involved in Your Grace and Love Father, comfort them and shield them from those that wish them further harm. Father You know exactly what it is like to suffer this loss, so we implore Your intervention in these times to come. Father and I ask all who do not know You, to ask You for into their hearts right now. Father please forgive us for our sins, show us the strength and path to follow the path you have laid out for each of us. Father please meet the needs of each person who cry's out to You Father. Father we turn away from our sins and choose a path to glorify You. Father we ask all this in Jesus sweet name...AMEN.