At Our Best When Things Are Their Worst

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 KJV)

In the midst of great tragedy, God is always at work. We saw it earlier this week in Boston and this time we see it close to home in West, Texas. A fertilizer plant exploded, killing as many as 15 and injuring more than 160, with a blast that shook houses 50 miles away and measured 2.1 on the seismic scale. This local disaster follows the Boston bombing on Monday as what Jim Denison has called "bookends on a tragic week." But a community's response to its fallen reminds us of hope in seemingly hopeless times.

We saw it in the marathon runners who finished the Boston Marathon and went straight to the hospital to donate blood, and in the many others on the scene who ran to aid victims at great risk to themselves. We are seeing the same much closer to home today in central Texas. Waco police Sgt. William Swanton told reporters yesterday morning that the first responders were the ones who went to the scene and were actually fighting the fire as the explosion occurred. Concerning community response to the disaster, Sergeant Swanton said, "You talk about leaning on each other's shoulders? They are absolutely doing that. I can promise you, the city of West's citizens will not let a person stand out in the rain, whether they know you or not, they will bring you into their home and you will be comfortable."

What we're seeing is that one of the ways God transforms tragedy into triumph is through caring people. Perhaps the most positive human tendency is to help those who are hurting. Stated simply, many of us are at our best when times are worst. Made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), we share his heart for our hurting world. Such compassion in crisis is, in fact, our most powerful Christian witness and ministry. Jesus' "new command" to "love one another" comes with a promise: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). Would you make it your purpose to show someone God's love through a tangible expression of love today? Donate blood for West victims. Donate food and clothing to help these that are hurting the most among us. If you would like more information on how to be a part of the relief efforts in West, please call our church office at (254) 754-8444. Through compassionately bearing the image of God, He will do His transforming work.

(Dane Fowlkes, Pastor)