My heart goes out to the people in Europe at this time, especially the countries at the epicentre of the latest terrorist event in Paris.
I sense great turmoil in the minds and hearts of Europeans, especially so as at the same time they are being flooded by refugees seeking asylum. As it has been revealed that some terrorists have managed to slip in under the guise of asylum seekers; this creates enormous conflict in the minds and hearts of the host nations.
In the midst of all these fluctuating emotions and opinions, Christians in particular need to draw aside and hear from the Spirit of God who certainly is not silent regarding these events! He always has and continues to want to speak to His people (John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me).
Whenever Jesus, after His crucifixion and resurrection, appeared to His disciples His first words were always: “Peace be with you”, bringing that peace to those who would receive it. Without that peace first, we cannot possibly hear Him over the chatter of our anxious minds (John 20:19; 14:27) .
My heart also goes out to the refugees finding themselves in Europe, in search for hope and a better future. It is possible that the recent tide of goodwill amongst some of the host nations could turn, in view of the recent events. This would add stress upon stress for them; already depleted by existential anxieties and now new suspicions and possible closedness coming from some of their hosts, with some hostile sections gaining greater momentum.
In this scenario, I pray for my Christian brethren; in particular amongst refugees. The call to a walk of faith never ceases, despite circumstances (2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”). The Eternal Unseen is of course the God which Christ revealed and His many promises of His ready help in times of need. Through steady faith, we receive His promises, just like Abraham and many others. Without faith, we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”).
May Christians continue to look to Him in these very difficult times, seek His peace, put their trust in His many promises and be strengthened in body, mind, heart and spirit!