August 3, 2026
Have you ever noticed life can go smoothly for months, even years. And then, suddenly, there is a bump. Our family just experienced a difficult weekend. One of our adult children lives in Spokane, Washington and another in Twin Falls, Idaho. On Saturday, a wildfire ignited in the Airway Heights area of Spokane, initiating a ‘Leave Now’ evacuation order. At almost the exact same time, considering time zones, there was an active shooter incident in Twin Falls, Idaho. I don’t care how old our children get. They are always our children. And we all reach out to each other when scary things happen.
Since we live in the Seattle area, there was not a lot we could do. Except pray! That is what we did. The fire was shocking, swiftly exceeding all records for damage and lost homes. I called my women’s group at church and asked others to pray. Many of them alerted their friends. That is how it works. We go to God. The fire did not go out immediately. As I write this, it is still burning in some areas. Our daughter’s home escaped the flames. They spent the night in a hotel. I’m guessing they will never forget the devastation they saw while returning home Sunday.
As for our son, a mass shooting is such a different kind of tragedy. Twin Falls, Idaho has a small-town feel but it’s large enough to have everything people need. Lots of shopping and restaurant choices. One of my favorite towns. People don’t just easily get over these events. Exactly a week before the Twin Falls event, we had a similar event in Seattle. It never makes sense. It’s always heart breaking.
Knowing God has His eye on us is a comfort in hard times. We are given freedom to make our own choices. While God offers us love and eternal salvation, we are free to refuse it. He knows our faith and the paths we usually follow. Seeing into tomorrow is what God does. Much of that revelation is available in the Word. He does not tell us everything but He is quick to share the things He wants us to know. He shared freely with the prophets in the Old Testament and most of those words are available to us. I think the end times are upon us and Jesus will return before too long. Maybe I believe that because I cannot imagine humanity getting any worse.
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Sounds easy. Except sheep bite. They reject. They mock. I’m guessing they did that to Jesus too. And yet He didn’t give up. In the face of that rejection, He literally gave His all, His life, for everyone. In spite of fires, violence, wars and wickedness, let’s trust God.
Father God, it is easy to lose faith and hope when we keep our eyes on the world. Your Word is filled with Your promises. I believe them all. For good reason. God, every vow or promise You’ve made, every word You gave through the prophets, whether it took one year, a hundred years or even a thousand, every promise came to pass. Help me, Father, to rest in Your Word, to relax knowing You are not a man that You should lie. Thank You, God for consistency, faithfulness and a truth that speaks our future.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 6:33