Fully aware of the tragedy that has struck France in recent days I got word this morning that our friends and partners in ministry in Paris are all well. They minister only 10 minutes from the Bataclan Concert Hall where 80 people were gunned down last night. As I sat at my desk this morning my heart turned heavy for our French friends. How do we make sense of all of this? How do we carry on because of all of this? How do we even begin to pray?
As I was pondering this thought I was interrupted by one of my children – she just popped into my office for a hug, blissfully unaware of the terrors that had unfolded the previous evening. As I hugged her and spent a few minutes with her I was reminded that God is our Father and that His arms are extended to all of France
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
So too, Jesus, in the ultimate demonstration of love for people, in His moment of suffering, stretches out His hands towards us too. Hands marked by holes and blood, that call out to us:
Come to me, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Jesus knows our weaknesses.
So this is my prayer for my friends, and for their church, for all of Paris and France. Please join me in praying for all of France.
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