When the Danger Passes

In my last offering I discussed the string of violent attacks in the city where I work.

I spoke of the need for prayer.

Prayer for the victims.

Prayer for their friends and families.

Prayer for the attacker, as well.

Since then, these attacks have stopped and life in the city has returned to normal.

The sense of fear that once hung over our collective heads evaporated almost as quickly as it came.

All because the attacker who, when cornered, chose to end his life as he had the lives of others.

In the days that followed, we learned a bit about this young man.

We learned that his background was not what we would have expected.

We learned that his roommates knew absolutely nothing about his plans or his preparations.

His neighbors knew nothing as well.

Perhaps the greatest shock of all came to his parents.

So, although this crisis has passed, the need for prayer goes on.

Prayer for his parents who are asking themselves questions that may have no answer.

Prayer for roommates who are realizing just how close to an accidental catastrophe they were.

Prayer for neighbors who are asking if where they live is safe.

Prayer for a city that, now that the danger has passed, has returned to normal

Prayer for world that needs Jesus more with every passing day.

To be honest, not one of us knows exactly how much time we have left on earth.

We find it almost too easy to move on and put off critical things.

This includes making ourselves right with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NET) - See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Scripture reminds us to pursue what is good and that prayer is a constant necessity.

It should not be reserved only for times of crisis.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 13, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, April 20, 2018