Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Ten years, or almost anyway…that is how long the United States has waited to gain justice on Osama bin Laden!!! Talk about patience; it was reported that intelligence was onto him in this fortress in Pakistan for almost five years now! Seeing how I can hardly show patience for some things as trivial as dinner, a nap, or an hour of quiet time; they have waited FIVE years to get the mastermind behind killing thousands of Americans and countless others we don’t even know of abroad. But justice has been served, and it is a proud day to be American. Flags are waving, military are being given the praise they deserve, and a sense of accomplishment is in the air. But as Tammy, a friend on Facebook commented, “…as a Christian, my heart is sad that Satan has gained another… Christians should use this as a time to share the love of Christ, and the gospel.” Now I could be wrong, and of course we will never know until reaching heaven…but I am fairly certain Osama didn’t repent and accept Christ right before he was killed. For pete sake, he used a woman as a shield to try and save his own life. How pathetic? However, my point is Tammy has the best idea. We as Christians need to utilize this time for God’s Kingdom, rather than continuing to feast on the death of another, even if he was a repulsive and dreadful excuse of a human being. Let us look at how God did allow justice to finally be served, and what His word says about justice.
Today’s scripture clearly states His desire to show compassion and provide justice where justice is due. But one can’t miss the last bit…blessed are they which wait!!! We have waited, and I’m sure God had a reason for the delay. As His ways are not our ways and His timing is not our timing. What I have heard already, and to be quite honest was one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind was…retaliation. They are known for it, the Taliban that is…and well…I’m sure they are feverishly working on how they will get us back for killing their leader. Terrorism is rooted in fear, and often times they get their point across just as well by trying to hold us hostage to the fear of what they will do next. Fear is of Satan, and isn’t that more than just a coincidence. Evil is using evil to get at those innocent victims in the form of terrorism. Fear and worry are signs we lack faith in our Father. Scripture is filled with God’s promise to take care of His children. In 1 Peter 3:13-14 it says, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” Matthew 6:27 tells us, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” And in Matthew 8:26 Jesus said, “‘you of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” These are only a few I looked up quickly as a reference to my point, but there are countless others.
God is so much bigger and more powerful than the terrorist, so why our lack of faith? First of all, we are human. Secondly, our memory of the past attacks is still pretty vivid. And thirdly, we just forget how awesome our God is and need constant reminding. Does this mean something bad isn’t going to happen? NO, unfortunately not. God gave free will to everyone, and thus innocent people fall victim to this every day in all sorts of ways besides terrorist attacks. But what He does with bad; is then focus it toward an opportunity to heal, restore, and comfort thus we see His glory! I will choose to have faith, pray for safety of the innocent, and decide fear from Satan in the form of terroristic activity is not going bring me down. My fear would mean their winning, and I refuse to give them the satisfaction. I will be vigilant in surveying my surroundings, but it will not hinder my everyday life. After all, their time is short… and the best part is we already know who wins in the end! Have faith not fear!!!
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