It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post. I had a different topic planned. But after watching the news about the Las Vegas shooting this week, I knew I needed to postpone it.

On October 1st, 2017, one man killed around 60 people, and injured over 500 at a Jason Aldean concert in Las Vegas. This set the record for the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history. As a Canadian, a ‘next-door’ neighbour, this story hits close to home.

When terror strikes the world, a number of things happen. People get scared. People rally together. And people, more than ever, start to question why bad things happen.

I feel for those who have lost their loved ones. For those who are suffering, lonely, and scared. I cry with you. My heart aches for you. I know I can’t really give advice, so I won’t try. But what I can do is be a reminder.

God will bring justice.

There will always be evil in the world, and there will always be evil men (and women). These deaths were the cause of a man with evil intentions. Remember that God gave us free will. But God will, in His time, bring justice against those who use their free will to perform evil. Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” 

The Lord will not let those who are evil go unpunished. Take refuge in that.

God hears your prayers.

God answers your heartfelt prayers. I cannot imagine the pain you and your families must be going through as victims. You are loved and I’m sorry.

If anyone wishes to lend a helping hand to the Las Vegas shooting victims in the U.S., check out CNN’s post. There is a GoFundMe page linked from that post. Two things show us that God’s help is at work here. Over $9 million have been raised in the first three days, and no more blood donations are needed. What an answer to prayer!

Another thing I’d like to do is share some perspective. The K-LOVE Afternoon Show posted a photo on their Facebook page, where our perspective is met with God’s. While I’ve been having technical difficulties trying to post the picture here, please check out K-LOVE’s Facebook page.

For those who don’t have Facebook, I have typed out the words that were on the picture. With each situation where we feel like we can’t go on, there is God’s response and a corresponding Bible verse. So get ready. There’s a lot of ’em.

You say vs. God says

You say: I can’t figure it out.
God says: I will direct your steps. Proverbs 3:5-6

You say: I’m too tired.
God says: I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30

You say: It’s impossible.
God says: All things are possible. Luke 18:27

You say: Nobody loves me.
God says: I love you. John 3:16

You say: I can’t forgive myself.
God says: I forgive you. Romans 8:1

You say: It’s not worth it.
God says: It will be worth it. Romans 8:28

You say: I’m not smart enough.
God says: I will give you wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30

You say: I’m not able.
God says: I am able. 2 Corinthians 9:8

You say: I can’t go on.
God says: My grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9

You say: I can’t do it.
God says: You can do all things. Philippians 4:13

You say: I can’t manage.
God says: I will supply all your needs. Philippians 4:19

You say: I’m afraid.
God says: I have not given you fear. 2 Timothy 1:7

You say: I feel all alone.
God says: I will never leave you. Hebrews 13:5

Whenever we don’t have the strength to accomplish something, know that God will carry you through. We can only do so much on our own. I think that as Christians, we already know this. But we need a reminder. And we need to remember to help those that are in need.

Pray. Reach out. Be kind. As Cinderella (the 2015 movie version) said: “Kindness is free. Love is free.” Don’t let the Las Vegas shooting discourage you. Evil and hatred have a much higher cost.