Saved Without Regrets

Being a believer since I accepted Jesus Christ at 16 years of age, now at 60, I have definitely experienced both trials and blessings of the Lord. While there are so many things that I can and do thank God for throughout my life, strength is undoubtedly an attribute that I don’t know what I would do if the Lord did not grace me with it. Of course, it is during the times that tragedy, disaster or overwhelming situations happen when I need strength the most. I do know that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) are God’s words that I have said with much conviction.

I was never a news watcher when I lived in New York City. Basically, my attitude was that you hardly hear much good anyway so why start my day listening or watching something that highlights the bad. I also had a very dear friend, Fran (May she rest in peace.), who was a writer for a news station. I figured if there was something that I really needed to know, Fran would certainly call me (pre-texting era). Well, moving to NC changed my attitude and actions regarding the news. I got caught driving in a storm that was terrifying to me. The monsoon, lightning and thunder on dark, tree filled back roads in the country were enough to make me incorporate tuning into the news daily if only to catch the weather broadcast.

I wish it were just that easy. Usually, before the report there is “news” that is horrific and unconscionable. Today, is another day in which this happened with the killing of 10 individuals at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York by an 18 year old youth whose background history gives an indication that he needed help in so many ways that obviously was not received. No, I am not ignoring the fact that the victims were African American and that the “murderer” was white. This is why I am writing about strength. My deepest prayers go out to the family and community of the victims. I also lift my hands toward the Lord for those of us who contend with this type of hate that still exists and leads to destruction, devastation as well as everything against Christ with the hopes that we will be given the strength to address it in appropriate ways that “Give God the Glory“. We need to draw on the strength that God has promised His believers. “The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).

Is this promise too difficult to understand in times when such unnecessary, senseless deaths or atrocities happen? Absolutely! However, as believers we must always go to the Lord and His words having faith in Our Almighty, Omnipotent, Omniscient God Who will never leave nor forsake us. Contemplate the following scripture of God words for times when we must be strong:

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

https://biblehub.com/joshua/1-9.htm

Grace & Peace