Grieving Yet Thankful

Grieving Yet Thankful

We are all grieving over the loss of life at First Baptist of Sutherland Springs Texas.  Innocent blood has been shed. Plus another murderer has fallen into eternal torment. I am writing these words the day after this nightmare. Let’s continue to pray for Sutherland Springs and its First Baptist family.

All day today I find myself grieving and yet thankful. Let me share some of the reasons I am thankful.

1.     The Lord Jesus. We have a Savior! We have a Savior who suffered. And we have a Savior who is Almighty God. He is both. He has felt the pain of heartbreak and cruel death. At the same time He knows the future as the timeless I Am. He has created a glorious future as One who has conquered. As the prophet Isaiah recorded God’s description about Jesus, He is the Prince of Peace and the Father. He is the tender, understanding loving Counselor while at the same time, fierce Mighty God. He is a Wonderful holy combination.

Jesus came because killers kill and liars lie. He came because sin destroys. And He   entered that painful murderous destruction and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. He knows what it’s like to hurt. He is able to understand and heal. The One who is “acquainted with grief” is able to redeem.

2.     Jesus provided for the believers in Sutherland Springs in ways we can barely begin to imagine. They are with Jesus. They are breathing in Life. The pastor and his wife were out of town that Sunday. Their 14 year old daughter, Annabelle, was at church. She was one of the ones killed. I heard her mother Sherri say in an interview how grateful she was that her Annabelle loved her church family so very much and they her. The mother was thankful her daughter slipped into heaven with those she so dearly loved. I am thankful for heaven.

3.     Sunday afternoon several of our men met. They are used of God to provide protection for our church week after week. These are servants who are willing to die if need be for our church family. They are present each Sunday watching, walking, observing. They are faithful, wise, and capable. They are always about improving their watch care. I feel blessed and thankful to the Lord for them. Men who love Jesus are powerful because of Christ. We are in good hands.