Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As I settled in several nights this weekend, I reflected on the injustices of our land. Friday marked the conclusion of my racial reconciliation series, and it has been quite eye opening concerning the racism and systematic injustices occurring everyday in America. Today, we all continue to struggle and make sense of the Connecticut school massacre. As I view the photos of the victims (brave teachers and beautiful young children), the reality is: no sense can be made of evil.
When we see tragedies like this one, we certainly remember the words of Paul: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12 [NIV]).” Our struggles are not for one day when we can actually see the physical manifestation of spiritual wars. Our struggles are daily. Everyday we are in a spiritual battle, whether we choose to pay attention or not.
Our spiritual battle is real. Too often, we have been lulled to sleep, thinking that the wrestle for souls is a matter of Hollywood entertainment, when in reality it is a matter of physical and spiritual life and death. So I thank God for Jesus who is a truth-teller who did not blindside us when he said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”
During this Advent season, may we reflect on the truth that Christ has overcome the evil of this world. We can be honest with God when we are sad, angry, mourning, and disillusioned. We can lament. Like David, we can go to God with our hard questions: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5 [NIV]).
When our soul is downcast, when we are disturbed, we can put our hope in God; praise Him, for he is our Savior and Lord. I pray we will meditate on the grace given us in the form of a baby born in Bethlehem. He is the very presence of God with us (Matt. 1:23). He has overcome this dark world. He is the one who makes all things new (Rev. 21:5).
Love and God bless, Natasha
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 