Where was God during the mass shooting?

Last updated on: October 2, 2015 at 2:10 pm by Dave Willis

Where was God during the mass shooting? 2015-10-02T14:10:48-05:00 Dave Willis

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Earlier this week, our nation was rocked by yet another tragic school shooting. A disturbed man walked into a writing class on the typically tranquil community college campus in Oregon and he opened fire. The wake of the disaster has created more debate over gun laws, more fear, and more questions like, “Where was God?”

I certainly don’t want to interject some Hallmark-card brand of Christian cliches in the aftermath of such a horrific tragedy, but I do want to do my part of bring some hope to those who feel hopeless. My perspective on these types of tragedies forever changed on April 16, 2007. It was the day of the Virginia Tech massacre which was one of the worst acts of violence in the past century.

I remember watching the coverage that day with a strange mix of emotions, because while our nation grieved the tragedy, miles away from the news crews and the chaos, I was in a hospital deliver room where our son, Connor Samuel Willis, came into the world. In the midst of death and chaos, God reminded me of the miracle of life. It was one of the happiest moments of my life and Connor continues to bring joy to us daily.

As a Christian, I believe that God is always with us. I believe He works all things together for our good and His glory. I believe the world is broken and one day He will return to set all things right and make all things new, but in the meantime, we must face the grim tragedies of life with the hope of knowing God is still at work even when we can’t see it. We must also do our part to help and protect those who are hurting.

When things like this happen, it’s natural to ask, “Why?” We want answers, but we don’t always get the answers to life’s big questions on this side of heaven. What we do get is the assurance of knowing “The Answer” knows us. He is for us. He is with us. He will never leave our side. God is with you in the middle of even the worst tragedies. The Bible promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:19)

Maybe all that sounds like “pie in the sky” thinking to you, and in the middle of life’s tragedies, I can completely understand that. I’m not trying to talk you into anything. I’m just asking that you be open to receiving peace and healing from the only one powerful enough to give it.

Throughout history, the people who loved Him most faced death, prison and torture with courageous faith and hopeful assurance of God’s presence in their pain and God’s promise for their eternity. You can have that same type of peace in the middle of any storm. To learn how, check out my post on 4 things God wants you to remember when life is hard (by clicking here).

Don’t lose hope. God is with you and He is bigger than your biggest fear.

If this post encouraged you, please share it using the links below so we can encourage others too!

Inspiration and Encouragement

Life Tools

Previous Post

September 30, 2015

His 4 Biggest Needs, Her 4 Biggest Needs

Next Post

October 8, 2015 A prayer for my marriage

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Bible Study Family and Parenthood General Inspiration and Encouragement Life Tools Marriage Uncategorized Videos

Select a Month August 2022 May 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was the king of Babylon during the exile of the Israelites?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Darius Belshazzar Cyrus Nebuchadnezzar

Books by This Author Books by Dave Willis

See All Titles »