With all of the natural disasters, bombings, torment, mass shootings - where was God? If there is a God, then why would these things happen?

I know this is a concern that some people have. I know it's hard to keep your faith when you're going through tough situations and loss. I know you feel like you have unanswered prayers, and the truth is, you're scared. So if God is real, then where was he when we all needed him?

He was here.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Hurricane Irma Florida, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and many other cities and countries, they destroyed churches, homes, businesses and schools. There was a cry for help before, during, and after these storms. A cry for a miracle for the storms to not hit and destroy the homes that these people lived in and everything they valued. And when the storm did hit, a lot of people were left homeless and hopeless.

He was there.

God was present in the hearts of the people that rescued those who needed rescuing. God was present in the hearts of the people who donated food, water, clothes, money, blood, and supplies. He was there with all of the people who traveled near and far with supplies and small boats to travel through the flood rescuing people and pets. He did not leave your side, not for one minute.

When Las Vegas underwent a horrible mass shooting, killing almost 60 people and injuring nearly 500 more, God was there. Despite the evil and the hate that was present, and the confusion and fear held in the hearts of the concert-goers and their families, I promise you, he was there.

He was there in the hearts of the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and significant others who hovered over their children, friends, and loved ones to protect them from the gunfire. God was there with the police who rushed there as soon as they could and helped as many people as possible get away to safety. He was there with the first responders rushing people to hospitals. He was there in the hands of the doctors and surgeons desperately trying to save people's lives and working long hours with no food or water. He was with the people who lined up in the early hours of the morning just to give blood. He was there when the entire country came together for a split second to grieve, pray, and forget about all of the other problems in the world that just didn't seem to matter at this point.

God knew that there would be evil and hurt in our world. He knew that his children would endure painful things. He is still here and he is still good. He is on his heavenly thrown, hearing and answering our prayers. He still loves us all.

Do not fear and do not lose faith. There will always be pain and suffering. There will always be feelings of loss, depression, and hopelessness. God is still here and with us. Keep your faith in Him and there is no way you will lose.