Daily Devotional for May 17, 2022

Three days ago, people in Buffalo, New York, were going about their Saturday routines.  Some were shopping in a supermarket.
 
As they pushed grocery carts up and down the aisles, a white supremist walked in, opened fire, and murdered ten innocent people.  Their only crime was being in an area where most people are African American.
 
Two days ago, a luncheon was held honoring a former pastor at the Geneva Presbyterian Church, in Southern California. 
 
Before the morning worship service, a visitor was warmly greeted and welcomed to the church.
 
Later that day, he opened fire on the same people he had seen in worship.  He murdered one and injured five others.  Their only crime was being in a church.
 
Just another weekend in the good ole USA.
 
Sadly, merciless shootings happen so often, we are becoming desensitized to horror and suffering they produce.  They have become part of the daily landscape.  And when they are no longer a big deal, evil wins.
 
Nothing has changed.
 
Two thousand years ago, Jesus saw the suffering around him.  Scripture says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”  (Matthew 9:36) 
 
Because of Jesus, everything has changed.
 
While the evil of this world can certainly impact your life, you belong to the One who promises to walk with you through sickness, poverty, hardship, pain, and even the Valley of Death.  And because of Jesus, in the end, evil does not win – God does.
 
Remain faithful even though you live in a fallen world and know, one day, the One who matters most will set all things right.  Without Jesus, we are lost.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, use me to show your compassion and love in this broken world.  Help me remain faithful till you come again.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
Stick with God.  He’s the only One who can save you.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins