Speechless…But So Much To Say!

I live in a suburb of Minneapolis and the horrific school shooting that just occurred at a Catholic school here in our city has rekindled some of the feelings I had as a teacher. I’m retired from teaching, but now I convey some of those thoughts and feelings on the fact that I have precious grandchildren sitting in classrooms in a few different schools. I recall the sleepless nights after other tragedies like this would hit the news. I’d lie in bed playing out the possible scenarios in my mind and imagining how I would defend the little ones who were in my care, with tears welling up in my eyes knowing I’d risk my life to save them. The reality of the existence of evil begins to cloud the events of our days, even when we are going about our normal routines and seemingly enjoying life.

I don’t even know what to say about all this, yet there is so much I want to say, so bear with me. My husband and I enjoyed a day at the MN State Fair yesterday. Honestly, mass shootings briefly cross my mind in a lot of settings lately. But I refuse to live in fear and, as with all my worries, I do my best with God’s help to take those thoughts captive and turn the worries into prayers and move on with the confidence and hope I have in Jesus Christ.

I’ve heard and read many news reports about the shooters in these instances. There are so many opinions out there about how to prevent such events in the future. Honestly, it makes me just shake my head in disbelief that we just don’t get it. The world needs Jesus! My heart grieves not only for the children and adults whose lives are lost in these events, but even for the perpetrators–and for all those close to them all. My friends, we have only one true enemy and it is the devil himself. Truth has been twisted. The foundation of family is being destroyed. Technology that can be used for good has been used for evil. Secular university think-tanks are thinking up things from the pit of hell itself and it is trickling down to even our youngest minds. It often looks and sounds attractive. Of course it does. That is all part of the enemy’s plan. We (meaning all people in general) are so wrapped up in our earthly physical lives that we go about our days completely oblivious to the spiritual battle that is going on around us. It is unseen, but we see the effects of it on a daily basis. Certainly, there are people in existence today and throughout history that we can fairly call “evil”, but that is because, in their weakness and failure to declare Jesus as Lord, they became an easy target through whom Satan could attack. John 10:10 tells us that “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” He will use whatever means he can to kill (including killing even the most vulnerable–the unborn). And he will make evil appear good–to pit spouses and other family members against one another, to redefine what a family even is, to draw people toward possessions and wealth and away from the One who sustains all, to confuse and cause hopelessness–especially among young people. But that same verse, John 10:10, gives us another option: “I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” We are in a battle. Life versus death. Joy and hope versus despair. Confidence and peace versus fear and anxiety. Love versus hate. Truth versus Lies. Patience versus hostility. Anything that is not good is not from our loving God. Some refuse to believe this. Here are Jesus’ own words found in John 8:42-47:

42 Therefore Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you don’t believe me. 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? I am telling the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason that you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

The Bible is truth. I’m not going to debate that here, but if you doubt that, there’s plenty of evidence out there to support my claim. Jesus really lived. That is a historical fact. I believe He is the Son of God. He said He was and there’s plenty of evidence out there to believe that as well. Look where we are today. Has NOT claiming Jesus as God’s Son and ignoring the invitation to surrender to Him as Lord of our lives gotten us anywhere?

And, friends, the enemy has waged all out war on our children and young people. I pray every single day about this because I see how this is playing out. Some well-meaning Christian parents have become complacent about instilling truth in their children. Perhaps they think they aren’t old enough yet. Or that they’ll get enough Christian training at church or their Christian school or from some other source. But we need to be preparing them for battle! They are entering a world where standing for truth is becoming akin to being intolerant, judgmental and hateful. And who wants to be called those things? So we remain silent. And we teach our children to be silent. But don’t we realize where the noise is coming from? And that noise beckons for the complacent to join the party. Well, that party will have a tragic end.

I’m so sick of hearing people say we “can’t judge others”. God gives us as believers the Holy Spirit and minds to do just that–judge what is right and what is wrong, wise and unwise. The truth needs to be spoken in love. We need to teach our children about truth and how to defend it. I recently listened to a podcast episode that I want to recommend to every believer out there. It is part of “The Mama Bear Apologetics” podcast, episode 130: “Can Christians Judge?” Please give it a listen. We not only can judge but we need to. The world needs truth–spoken in LOVE! Let us be careful about how we navigate conversations with others. I hear and see many well-meaning Christians lashing out with angry and insulting words in their attempts to communicate truth. That just negates the message. We need Godly wisdom. As James 3:14-17 tells us, “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, fully of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

I usually like to have some light-hearted or humorous little bit to add to my blog posts, but I can’t really come up with one today. The joy of the Lord truly is my strength. I am full of hope. Yet, I am burdened for the lives around me who do not yet know my Jesus or who have only scratched the surface of what living life with Him at the center can be. Oh, friend, our lives here are short. Let’s make the most of our days and be ready for the eternity ahead. I’ve mentioned this before but will mention it again here. Feel free to reach out to me via email if you ever wonder about something I say here. It is my deepest joy to help someone draw closer to Jesus. May the God of all comfort fill you with peace and hope. And may we all seek to know and live out the truth–God’s truth. Even if it’s unpopular.