Every Sunday, Mike protected the doors to the children’s ministry at our church. You could never walk through the entrance without feeling secure as he stood there proudly in his police uniform, hands clasped at his waist, with a gigantic smile on his face. He was a magnet for our children who often would run up to him and hug his legs and give him high fives. Mike was a tender warrior, loved by everyone he met.
On July 9, 2016, Mike left behind his wife and two daughters when he was killed in the line of duty. On the day of the tragedy, I balled like a baby and told my seven-year-old what had happened because I knew he remembered Officer Mike.
John was processing all that happened and was confused as to why anyone would want to kill a police officer.
“Mom, dad’s safe being a pastor, right?” he asked me with concern, wanting to make sure his daddy was going to be okay while on the job. My heart ached from his question.
“We’re safe in God’s will,” I responded. “That’s the safest place to be.”
I shared how anything can happen anywhere living in a fallen world full of sin. We talked more about safety, evil, and how one day God will redeem this broken world. He loves everyone equally and hates murder. It’s difficult to explain to a child the evil permeating our land and how it just doesn’t make sense but that God still turns horrible situations into good.
Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble. It’s not if, but when. And when trials come, we must trust it isn’t the end of the story. Jesus has already overcome the world, and he comforts us in the pains of this life. Before time, his plan was to redeem mankind back to himself through his shed blood on the cross. He fulfilled that plan when Jesus completed his journey to the cross and was buried and rose again. Provision has already been made for our redemption and reconciliation to him. That should give us great peace. That is why he exhorts us, “Take heart!”
God isn’t finished yet. When your thoughts are exhausted with fear, anxieties, and worry for your family’s safety, health, and well-being, take heart in Jesus because he wins in the end. He’ll fulfill his purposes and create something beautiful from the dust.
This world isn’t as it should be, and this truth should humble us and give us great hope that restoration and redemption are waiting for us.
Provision has already been made for our redemption and reconciliation to him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I need you in this broken world. You’re my steadfast peace. When fears choke the life out of me, help me to constantly give them over to you. Protect my family and children as we seek to do your will. Amen.
This post was an excerpt from one of our regular contributors, Samantha Krieger, who is the author of Quiet Time: A 30-day Devotional Retreat for Moms in the Trenches
Blessings,
Samantha
