Though the Mountains be Shaken...

I am not sure how many of you have heard about the accident last Friday involving the Broken Bow boys basketball team.  It is definitely a tragic event that will drastically change the lives of many as well as an entire community.  Three lives were lost, and many more were injured.  Some are still in critical condition.  During times like this, the most important thing to do is to pray.  The most important thing to remember is that God is still in control, and He has a plan.  The most important thing to believe is that God's will shall be done, and His will is what's best for all of us.  Today, I would like to provide us all with a little encouragement.

Isaiah 54:10 is an amazing verse that assures us that God is compassionate, and His love is undying.  "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken  nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  This is a great reminder that our lives may be shaken up and we may encounter tough roads, but our great God still provides us with peace in the middle of a storm.  His love is unfailing and unconditional.  His compassion can heal heartache.

I also want to remind you that Christ gives us the strength we need to endure all things.  "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13.  Many people focus on only the first portion of this verse: "I can do all things."  But no, you cannot do all...not on your own strength.  Don't forget the second part: "through Him who gives me strength."  Christ is the one who gives us the strength we need to endure our hardships.  Because of Christ, I can do all things. 

One closing thought...Be joyful always.  I know this is one of the hardest things to do in the midst of a storm.  But we still have so much to be joyful for.  We can celebrate the blessings God has bestowed upon us, and look for the good in all things.  "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4

For the full article regarding this accident: http://www.omaha.com/article/20120601/PREPZONE/306019819