Pray for Paris

Friday November 13, 2015.

A group of Islamic State extremists took part in a series of bombings and shootings around Paris, France. The goal: to kill as many innocent bystanders as possible.

As of this day, 129 lives were cut short. Many more have been injured, and are still recovering in hospital. Some are in serious condition. Most of the fatalities occurred in Bataclan, where Eagles of Death Metal band (an American band) were playing a gig. The rest were at popular night spots for young people, and restaurants. 

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this tragedy. We unite as one big family to support each other through these times, as a global unit. We weep for all the lives lost in such a terrible way. No words can describe the horror of what they had to go through.

Massacring a huge amount of people is not the way to gain control of the world, nor is it the right way to do anything. What do you gain from taking people's lives? Nothing. 

The Prophet Mohammed was used in satirical cartoons and broadcasted to the nation. Extremists became unhappy so they killed those responsible for misinterpreting the prophet. And now they decide to go after countries who go against the prophet, and their nation as a whole. 

Let me tell you one thing. People make fun of Jesus Christ more than the prophet. People use Jesus' name in vain on a daily basis. You don't hear people saying "Oh my Mohammed!" or "Prophet Mohammed!" when they accidentally burn themselves or drop a knife on their foot. When something surprises someone, the automatic response would be "Oh my God!" "Jesus Christ, seriously!" 

Do you see a bunch of Christians coming together and plotting to set fire to the world? Do you see them plot ways to kill a bunch of random people at once? Because they hear everyone using Christ's name in vain? No. We get hurt inside yes. But does it give us a reason to act in a selfish way? No. 

In 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) it says: But sanctify the Lord God^[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

What in the world does that mean? It just means if people ask about God's existence, you are to prepare to give a defence. Not a war defence group, but an intellectual conversation. No where in the context does it say to gather an army and go kill everyone because they made fun of your God. 

I think people get annoyed with Christians because of the constant verbal arguments and disagreements when it comes to talking about God. People just want to avoid the topic all together. It's funny how we question or forget about God during our happy times, but we all turn to God when something tragic happens. And then blame Him for all the bad things, that US humans did against each other. 

I'll leave off with this one verse from Romans 12:21 (NIV): Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Pray for all those lives lost in this tragedy. Pray for those who have to live without their loved ones for the rest of their lives. Pray for the ones who believe in false idols, who are misinterpreting what is being said and taught to them, so that they may one day find God, and realize what they did was wrong.