It was a regular Monday morning – I was getting ready for my work week. Planning, organizing, praying for my husband and family. According to my schedule I had chosen to stay off social media until absolutely necessary. And then I heard the beep of an audio notification, with an automatic reflex, I clicked my phone. I was horrified when I saw the CNN headline, “Vegas gunman shoots and kills at least 50 at a concert, 200 hospitalized.” My friends Cali and Josh Cain were there. I scrolled over to Cali’s facebook page to view her post. “We are barricaded in our hotel room, now. We are fine.” I kept scrolling and noticed many were asking for prayer.
People are wondering where was God? Is God loving? Why did this happen? People need God to be:
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Present – God is the God who is available. It’s one of his names: Jehovah Shammah – the God who is there. I am praying for him to be near all those who desperately need him now.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:1-12 NLT
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Provider – God is the God who is able to provide what is needed: comfort in loss, healing in pain, recovery for the wounded.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
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Protector – The lost and wounded wonder where God was during the shooting? He was and is present. He is God, Jehovah Shammah – the God who is there. He is here for all who cry out today, tomorrow and forever. He protects, heals and forgives.
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Instead of asking God why, let’s ask him how. How can we pray? How can we help? How can we show compassion to those in need? It’s easy, choose to #PrayforLasVegas – join us tonite at the Liberty Bell in Bakersfield, CA at 7 pm.
