~ "Good ol' country comfort..."

(Shamecca Davis hugs her son, Isaiah Bow, who witnessed the tragedy in Aurora Colorado (Associated Press Photo)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thes 5:11)

Tragedy has again struck this great nation.  The question "why" is the one so many families want answered right now, and even with an answer, it will not change the events that took place in the town of Aurora, Colorado.  "Why" will not ease their pain, nor will it make the burden of their sorrow lighter.  The answer will be just as bazaar as the act itself.  Pray for these families.  Pray that their hearts will be comforted.  Despite all else, know that God has a plan.  Having lived through a nightmare tragedy, I know their pain, I understand their outrage and I feel their loss.  Only by the grace of God and by strength in Jesus do we come through these times - and we come through stronger.


The enemy fights for ground each and every day.  Like the child who never learns that defying his parents will bring punishment, he, too, continues to strike out at the heart of man and the reaction is virtually the same - more people turn to God than away from Him as a result of his actions.  From the highest seat in Washington we are urged to pray (a statement that I am sure shocked many).  We sit and listen to the words of the survivors, we watch their tears fall and the images of those left behind to put the pieces of their lives back together will consume us for days, if not weeks.  I could site numerous tragedies that I've witnessed in my 55 years and I do not recall one where those in "command" have not called on the American people to pray.  


Our Heavenly Father asks us to trust in Him.  He calls us to pray for and comfort one another always.  In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he offers more than just a glimpse of what we should do.  He gives us a plan to follow each and every day because we do not know which day is our last.  We are reminded that the Lord comes like a thief in the night - not just for the end of days, but for each of us.  He reminds us that we no longer walk in darkness, that we are the sons and daughters of the Light!  He reminds us to be joyful and pray and to give thanks in all circumstances. 


Take a moment today and read 1 Thessalonians 5.  Take another moment to offer a prayer of intercession for those who are suffering.  Ask for comfort and strength for each and every person affected by this event.  Let the enemy know that he has failed, yet again, through your prayers.  Let the grace of Jesus be with you. He will comfort those who are in need, not just today, but every day!