The memory slithered across my mind once again, unwelcome and cold. I shivered as my soul slunk back from the ugly details.
The intruder held the knife, threatening violence. My friend, frozen in time, did as she was bidden. They walked into the corridor, down the stairs, and out the door.
Evil raises its head when you least expect it. We were in a safe boarding school on the second floor and locked in for the night. All young innocent school girls. But a wooden fire ladder made access easy for the disturbed violator. He could have taken any one of us sleeping in the dormitory, but it was Mira he chose. A beautiful pale-skinned, fair-haired doll-like fifteen-year-old girl. Intelligent, gifted, sweet, and kind.
Shocked and in disbelief, we awoke to the news of the truth. Mira was dead at the hand of the predator. Numb, we entered a fear-filled silence. The question that passed across our minds was, “Why?” Why was Mira the one to die? Why did God allow such a tragedy?
The unknown always lurks around the corner. We live in a violent age, yet God’s rule prevails. The destruction of the lawless one and all evil is foretold. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8 NKJV).
Father God is not unfamiliar with suffering. His Son Jesus died a violent death at the hands of His persecutors. Yet three days later, the Holy Spirit raised Him up.
We may not get all our questions answered, but one thing is certain: we will rise again if we choose to believe in Jesus Christ. Mira’s faith was evident in her life. She often spoke of her quiet love for Jesus. Though absent from us, she is present with the Lord.
We may not be able to prevent pain and suffering, but we are able to trust the Word of God. It promises we will live to resurrection life once we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Take a step of faith today and believe.
(Name changed to protect identity.)
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Rusty A Lang is an author pseudonym for Marlene A Morphew. Schooled in brokenness, Marlene has served the Christian church internationally for over forty years. Her passion is for people to be released into the Kingdom of God, living a natural supernatural life for Jesus Christ. Living in Australia, she can be followed on Facebook and through a regular blog on her website, www.rustyalang.com. Her books Good Things Take Time: Metamorphosis of a Damaged Soul and Timeless Treasures: Digging for Gold Daily may be ordered directly from her website in Australia or from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.