This morning as many of you know there was an incident at Umpqua Community College leaving ten dead and at least seven injured. I won't go discuss politics here about what could have led up to this or what could have prevented it the fact is it happened and many are hurting in its wake.
In times like this the easy thing to do is to rail at God, demand to know why, demand to know why he didn't stop it. Job, in the Bible, wanted those same answers. He lost his possessions, his wealth, his children then his friends and even his wife turned on him. He asked God why and God basically told him that He doesn't have to explain Himself. At first that answer seems unfair to me but here's what I know, God was there during that shooting, He did not abandon them He was there the whole time. We live in a fallen world and bad things will continue to happen until Jesus returns.
I can't give those people hurting answers as to why this happened but I can pray for them and I hope you'll join me in lifting up this prayer on their behalf.
Lord, be with those who are hurting today. Wrap your arms around them and let them feel your presence. Comfort them in their time of need, give them strength in the days to come, catch their tears and hold them close as they weep. Show them your glory through this tragedy, use this pain to bring about something of beauty that none of us could ever have imagined. Use this time to bring glory to your name and to restore the city of Roseburg, the state of Oregon, and this country, the United States of America, back to you.
God I ask you to be with the families and friends of the victims of this tragedy and show them how to make the difficult but necessary decision to forgive.
Father be with the families and friends of the shooter, provide comfort in the wake of confusion and pain and show them your love in the difficult days ahead.
Heal the school Lord, heal the city, heal the state, heal our country.
Bring these people to know and love you.
Thank you Lord that we know you have a plan and that you have not abandoned us.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
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