Turn To Christ in Tough Times

Laken Riley was a 22-year old nursing student at Augusta University who was brutally murdered last month while jogging. An illegal alien from Venezuela has been charged with her murder.

Recently Laken’s mother, Allyson Phillips, posted her feelings on social media.

If you were Laken’s mom or dad, what would you post for the whole world to see and know?

“My family has faced the most devastating, unimaginable loss that anyone could ever be force to endure. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being with me and my family during this heartbreaking time,” Phillips wrote.

“I encourage everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus,” Allyson added. “I give Him all the glory for getting us through this.”

Laken’s mom continued, “It would be really easy to lose our faith in mankind because of this senseless and avoidable tragedy. The amount of love, support and help that we have received during this horrific nightmare is overwhelming.”

I don’t know Allyson’s religious affiliation, but she is to be commended for her attitude. Her faith. Her reliance on the Lord. And her willingness to encourage others to seek a personal relationship with Jesus. Apparently, Laken was also a devout Believer, just like her Mom.

We all will experience tough times. Sooner or later. Some may deal with financial set backs. Others, loss of love. Many with sickness or disease. And we will all face the specter of death. Both those that we love and our own.

Sadly, some folks must cope with tragic circumstances that could have been avoided. A car crash caused by a drunk driver. Another person’s carelessness. A wrong turn. A farm machinery accident. A random attack by a crazed gunman. A home robbery. Or a young person who’s murdered like Laken Riley.

In Laken’s case, our reaction might be to blame a porous Southern border. Failed immigration policies. Our President. Or congress. Some people blame God when tragedy strikes. “Where was God when I needed Him,” they wonder. Others doubt His existence saying, “If there really was a God of love, He wouldn’t let this happen.”

However, the blame can be attributed to evil. And the evil one.

Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matt. 15:19).

Paul told Timothy that evil people “evil people will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Tim. 2:13).

Most of the world’s heartaches and sorrows can be laid at Satan’s feet. Sin, shame, and unspeakable sinister actions that hurt others are the result of the Devil’s ungodly influence. He tempted Eve to disobey God. He inflicted almost unbearable tragedy in Job’s life and family. He entered the heart of Judas to betray Jesus. And He is our adversary today, prowling around “like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1Pet. 5:8).

In times of suffering or tragic situations regardless of the cause our focus needs to be upon God’s mercy. The Bible says, “Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).

When we suffer adversity, we can know that we are in the presence of God. James said, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Jesus promised “I am with you always even to the end of the world” (Mt 28:29). What a great encouragement, comfort and consolation.

The Psalmist affirmed that God would be with us. That He is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” God promises help. Comfort. Hope. He feels our pain. And will supply our every need (Phil 4:19).

Furthermore, God uses good people, His people, to come to our aid when we’re hurting. Allyson credited not only her faith in Jesus, but the support she received from others during this tragedy. Think of some adverse situation you’ve faced, then remember those who were there to encourage you, love you, help you, and weep with you.

When tough times come, don’t despair. Don’t give up. Don’t blame God. Rather, turn to the Lord for strength, grace, mercy, and “help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman