Most of us have heard of the terrible school shooting in Nashville, TN on March 28. Seven people, including three children, were killed. It is heartbreaking! As a culture and society, we are falling apart and failing. The amount of brokenness, mental health issues, and pain that leads to these kinds of events is unthinkable. The lack of respect for life is heartbreaking and evil. The lack of love and care for each other is wrong. So, what can be done?

I do not want to get into the debate about gun control and laws because the situation involves something much deeper in my opinion – the evil in this world. I suggest we realize the evil we are dealing with and the battle that is taking place right here in our community.

The Apostle Paul writes:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

And

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

There is a battle being fought every day. It is a battle between good and evil, a battle for the hearts and souls in this world and community. This battle is one we cannot sit on the sidelines and observe, we are called to take action. After all, we are empowered with the strongest tools and weapons anyone could have – the Holy Spirit, the resurrected Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and hope and love.

So, what can be done? First, we can take time to grieve with the families, people and community impacted by this tragic event, but remember that we grieve as those who have a great hope! Second, we can pray for the families, people, and community impacted by this tragic event. We may be mocked for these prayers, but we know prayer is valuable and prayer works. Third, we can be people of hope and love in this community. We can stop and talk to the hurting people in our community. We can go and spend time with those who are hurting or feel alone. We can serve those in need and we can share the Gospel with everyone in our path and journey each day. As I have stated, the only thing that will transform this community and world is more Jesus and His love.

I ask that you take a moment and pray this prayer that a friend of mine wrote. It is perfect for such a time as this.

Father, our hearts once again are broken. We do not understand, we wonder why You did not intervene, we are angry and hurting. In times like this You invite us to bring everything to You and so we ask for peace in our nation. We pray that Your Holy Spirit would invade the hearts of the broken and that the power of the resurrection of Jesus would be on full display in our lives, for Your glory. Father, bring renewal, revival and hope to the hopeless. Finally, bring the peace that passes all human understanding to the mourning this day. We pray this in the name of our Savior Jesus, Amen.

In Christ!

Rob Goodwin
Senior Pastor