At this past Monday evening's session meeting, Chris Irwin, one of our elders, shared an inspiring devotional. She alluded to a question we often ask in the face of tragedy: why doesn't God do something about this? It's a fair question to ask, especially when we become aware of events in places like Afghanistan and Haiti. Why doesn't God do something about this?

I believe that God does have the power to do something about evil and suffering in our world. In fact, the whole story of the Bible is about how God responds to the sin and the brokenness in the world with love. God sends Jesus to give his life for the world God loves in order to usher in God's Kingdom -- God's way of doing things to make it all right. I believe that the Kingdom of God began on the cross and is continuing to work its way out throughout history. But we are not there yet. Obviously, there is still evil and suffering -- so, why doesn't God do something about this?

As Chris Irwin shared with us on Monday evening, one of the primary ways God does something about the sin and suffering in our world is through us. God calls us to do something about this. And while no one can do everything, everyone can do something. When it comes to Afghanistan, I was reading the cover story in Christianity Today magazine which told of all of the Christian workers who are not leaving that country and who are there simply to serve and care for those in need. You can read more about it here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/september/afghanistan-aid-humanitarian-civil-society-hospitality.html

When it comes to Haiti, our own Presbyterian Church USA is working with others to provide help. Here is another link that you can follow, not only to know how we as Presbyterians are doing something about it, but how we can make financial gifts that go directly to help those in Haiti: https://pcusa.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=46b2644cbdf489fac0e2d192212d206d.3103&s=e6163040725508c0a98ce3dd45605850

So, pray for those who are suffering, do what you can to make a difference, and give out of the financial resources with which God has blessed you. Be a part of what God is doing in our world today.

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, we pray for those suffering in Afghanistan and Haiti. Bring order where there is chaos, shelter where those are homeless, safety where lives are threatened, and use us to make a difference as followers of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.