Mike’s Musings …       

Dealing With Horridness

   This past week has been filled with horror for a family known to most Christians in this area. The young lady, a faithful Christian, and married less than a year, suffered what could have been a life-threatening injury at the hands of her young husband, who is also a Christian. Her entire family - cousins, aunts and uncles, parents, grandparents, and her sibling – all are Christians and among the kindest of souls you’d ever meet. Yet, for reason(s) yet unknown, violence came from the hands of one she trusted, loved, and married. Why? That question may never have a satisfactory answer for anyone. But one thing is sure: the faithful of this family will endure! They know they have God upon Whom to cast their cares (1 Peter 5:7).

   Bad things do happen to good people! Solomon said, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12) The Hebrew writer grants the faithful a great deal of comfort in this reasoning as he states the abiding protection from the presence of Almighty God to the faithful: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6) When the Christian ponders, “How can I get through this horror?” this is the answer! What greater Helper could we desire?

   Let’s not forget Paul’s inspired directive found in Romans 12: 9 – 21. At such a time as this, obeying such commandments is difficult. It is easier to beg wrath upon the offender while praying for comfort and peace to the offended. But remember, everyone involved in this horror is a Christian. Vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19). Let Him care for that end of things while we endeavor through His example to heal the brokenhearted.

   Musing is not enough for such a matter as this: praying must become the most fervent of efforts. This is a time to bear others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to be grateful to God that our own burdens are presently lighter so we can give ourselves to help our brethren. I muse on that reality and remain amazed at how helpful it is to know brethren love one another with pure hearts fervently – even when it is difficult!