Just five months ago I walked the streets of Paris. I saw the calm, the beauty, the spirit of the city – everything that it had to offer me. I didn’t go with grand expectations of magic and romance in the air, but I did go with an open mind, waiting to see what the Lord would show me in this city.
In that week, I saw the people of Paris. As they walked about their daily lives, I saw their attitudes and their hearts. They’re a culture much different from our own in America – living life day to day, living in the moment, taking things slow and enjoying the ride. They love their wine and their cigarettes. They love the finer things in life. You look at them and they seem to have it all.
The one thing these people were missing was Jesus. I could see it in their apathy. Little care did they give to those around them. There were very few smiling eyes in this city. Very few hearts open and ready to give or receive love.
On November 13, 2015, their worlds were shaken.
Suddenly, life couldn't just about them anymore. You can’t live moment-to-moment anymore when dozens of your neighbors no longer have a next moment.
The people of Paris faced heartache on that night. They faced fear. They faced the concept of death and eternity.
God used these moments.
Many see tragedy and wonder, “Where is God? How could He let this happen?” Luckily, we have an answer.
God never leaves us, nor does He ever forsake us. (Deut 31:6)
God provides to us His perfect peace whenever we put our trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3)
God is our refuge and our strength. He remains, even when all the Earth falls to pieces. He is our comfort. He will be exalted among the nations. (Psalm 46)
God is with us. He is here and he is able. He is our hope, to which we hold on to with all of our might.
The tragedy of this situation cannot be overlooked. It will not be. I stand with the Parisians in mourning – not just in a social media campaign or trend, but in genuine prayer and thanksgiving to God - in prayer for the comfort of all affected by these acts of terror, in thanksgiving for His sovereignty and control over all of our lives, even in the midst of chaos.
Paris is not my city. Je ne suis pas Paris, nor will I claim to be. I don’t understand their pain or their fear. But these are God’s people – they are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and they need Him now more than ever.
Pray for Paris – not just in a hashtag or profile pictures, though those things are so, so good, as well. But let us truly lift this situation up to the Lord.
Acknowledge Him for who He is, in all of His glory. Give thanks to Jesus for the hearts that are slowly but surely opening to receive His love. Praise Him for all that He’s done for us – now, then, and with all that is sure to come. Pray for the Lord's people to come to Him.
Don’t just watch the news. Don't just wonder at the world around you. Become an active participant, standing on the side of the one who has already claimed the victory.
"I’m starting to learn that the question to ask is not 'Where is God in all of this?' but 'How can I show God in all of this; how can I be kingdom come to this moment?'" - Katherine Henson
