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A tragedy struck my small rural community. The announcement of the death of an 8-year-old little girl, her grandmother, and her guardian arrested on first-degree murder yesterday. I did not personally know this family, but I have felt the violent bite of murder too close to home before, the sting of finding out someone you know has taken an innocent life. People can commit horrendous acts against one another. Genesis Chapter 4 tells the story of Adam and Eve’s first two children, Cain and Able. Jealousy and envy boiled in Cain and he violently murdered his brother Able.
Paul writes in Galatians about the “works of the flesh” also described as “sinful self” in other translations.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
We all have the capacity for temptation and sin, to be drawn away by our sinful self and commit heinous acts. When tragedy strikes it is easy to isolate, ask “why” and get stuck when a clear answer does not come. I find solace in scripture, in prayer, in the reminder of vigilance against attacks from the enemy, the importance of protecting our hearts.
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV
Grieve for this family, grieve over the abrupt ending of this precious child’s life, lift this community in prayers but do not allow bitterness to take root in your heart, where love belongs. Do not allow the enemy to use this.
Lord, I know you feel the pain in our community as we grapple to understand this loss. Give us strength Jesus to weather this storm. Rain comfort down on the family of this sweet child and all who have been impacted by her life. Plant in us, the resolve to advocate for the vulnerable in our community. Let us feel your loving embrace this day Lord. Fortify our hearts against the attacks of the enemy, we will not let him use this to destroy. I pray these things in the name of Jesus! -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory.
–Love Cortney