God has brought something so pressing to my heart that I cannot help but put my thoughts to paper this morning. I had planned to tell you all about our weekend at CHEA, to bring good reports and praise of all that was accomplished. I had planned to introduce you to several wonderful people we met that we believe would be a blessing to you, too. There is a day for good news and introductions – but not today. Today my heart mourns with those who mourn in Boston, and for Boston.
Today, I am stirred to respond to the rising chorus of voices crying, “Where is your God now?” that I hear all around. I used to think these people were just empty voices, rejoicing in an opportunity to rage against the Lord. I would almost ignore them. But recently, several quiet, seeking hearts have come to me personally, admitting that events like this shake their faith.
So, where is God? God is right where He has always been, friends. That there is evil in the world is not news to God – in fact, HE has been telling us that for thousands of years. Even before Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Yes, really since the time sin first entered our world, God has been planning, waiting, and readying. That evil exists is the entire reason for Christ’s entry into time, for his birth in a manger, for his death and resurrection. Jesus did not come into this world to suffer for no reason! He came to save us from evil, from sin.
God planned for our salvation from sin by sending Jesus. Way back in Genesis 3, God first reveals that He is planning to send a savior to crush the head of evil. How could God allow evil? Man chose it. Many chose to follow the temptations of evil, to reject the love and companionship of God. God sent us a way out by sending Jesus. He sent us good news that this dying world is not our eternal home.
Like the farmer in the parable of the wheat field which was over sown with weeds, God waits. He knows the enemy has planted weeds among His good crop, but rather than rip up the evil now and risk damage to the crop, God is waiting, waiting for us. He tells us so in 2 Peter “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Do you notice that it seems that evil is stronger, more wicked, more prevalent? Yes, the weeds in the field are growing to maturity. It is also true that the gospel has spread further than ever before, and that the influence of Christ is being felt deep in tribes and peoples and nations where the name of Jesus has never been named before. The wheat is maturing also. “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” 2 Tim 3:1. We are always shocked by evil – thank God! – but really, we shouldn’t be surprised.
Jesus, in Matthew 24:4-14 speaks of war, famine, earthquake, persecution. He speaks of lawlessness increasing, of turning away from God. He told us this would happen. God knows. He told us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21). In fact, that whole chapter of Romans 12 is a lesson on how to respond to evil with love, with hope, with faith, and yes – even with joyful patience.
Rest assured that this era of violence, sin, and evil will not continue on forever. Just as labor intensifies before delivery of a child, the birth pangs of the end times are growing stronger. The answer to evil is always the same – it is Jesus, it is the Word. The only way out of the dark is to move into the light. Our safety in this world is not assured, but our safety in God’s eternity is secure. Center your hope and faith in Christ. Anchor yourself in His word. Then be bold in responding to evil with love in Jesus’ name, knowing that He knows, He waits, and He has a plan!
For His Glory!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
Today, I am stirred to respond to the rising chorus of voices crying, “Where is your God now?” that I hear all around. I used to think these people were just empty voices, rejoicing in an opportunity to rage against the Lord. I would almost ignore them. But recently, several quiet, seeking hearts have come to me personally, admitting that events like this shake their faith.
So, where is God? God is right where He has always been, friends. That there is evil in the world is not news to God – in fact, HE has been telling us that for thousands of years. Even before Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Yes, really since the time sin first entered our world, God has been planning, waiting, and readying. That evil exists is the entire reason for Christ’s entry into time, for his birth in a manger, for his death and resurrection. Jesus did not come into this world to suffer for no reason! He came to save us from evil, from sin.
God planned for our salvation from sin by sending Jesus. Way back in Genesis 3, God first reveals that He is planning to send a savior to crush the head of evil. How could God allow evil? Man chose it. Many chose to follow the temptations of evil, to reject the love and companionship of God. God sent us a way out by sending Jesus. He sent us good news that this dying world is not our eternal home.
Like the farmer in the parable of the wheat field which was over sown with weeds, God waits. He knows the enemy has planted weeds among His good crop, but rather than rip up the evil now and risk damage to the crop, God is waiting, waiting for us. He tells us so in 2 Peter “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Do you notice that it seems that evil is stronger, more wicked, more prevalent? Yes, the weeds in the field are growing to maturity. It is also true that the gospel has spread further than ever before, and that the influence of Christ is being felt deep in tribes and peoples and nations where the name of Jesus has never been named before. The wheat is maturing also. “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” 2 Tim 3:1. We are always shocked by evil – thank God! – but really, we shouldn’t be surprised.
Jesus, in Matthew 24:4-14 speaks of war, famine, earthquake, persecution. He speaks of lawlessness increasing, of turning away from God. He told us this would happen. God knows. He told us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21). In fact, that whole chapter of Romans 12 is a lesson on how to respond to evil with love, with hope, with faith, and yes – even with joyful patience.
Rest assured that this era of violence, sin, and evil will not continue on forever. Just as labor intensifies before delivery of a child, the birth pangs of the end times are growing stronger. The answer to evil is always the same – it is Jesus, it is the Word. The only way out of the dark is to move into the light. Our safety in this world is not assured, but our safety in God’s eternity is secure. Center your hope and faith in Christ. Anchor yourself in His word. Then be bold in responding to evil with love in Jesus’ name, knowing that He knows, He waits, and He has a plan!
For His Glory!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
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