Crying Out

This past week as been a little rough for me.  A friend from high school passed away unexpectedly, missionary friends faced severe natural disasters, and terrorists struck at a church full of believers near a city where a friend of mine ministers and leads churches.

The week served as a wake-up call.  A reminder that my life can become too comfortable at times.  In my comfort I forget just how much I need Jesus.

That it why I write this evening, to remind myself and any of my readers just how important it is to stay in constant communication with HIM.  We need to remain vigilant and not become complacent in our walks of faith.

Yet that is not the only reason I write.  These tragic events further reminded me of two very important issues:
1) The sense of urgency that should accompany the proclamation of the Gospel message and,
2) The hope that only the Gospel message can provide.

For the first point the realization that we don't know how long any of us will have on this earth is a punch to the gut so to speak.  If my friends and loved ones passed tomorrow, would they know the grace and mercy of the Savior?  What have I done to help share that with them?  If faith in Christ is the only true way to receive salvation, what are the implications for those who do not hear the Gospel?

As for my second issue, this week reminded me once again how much relief and hope can be found in the message of the Cross.  Leave it to an Amazing God to use an instrument of pain and suffering to provide comfort in times of heartache and pain.  -- I can only say two words to God for this -- "Thank You."

Finally, I've included this link to one of my favorite songs as well as the lyrics.  I pray that it will provide you some solace and encourage you to cry out to HIM too!

CRY OUT to JESUS by THIRD DAY
https://www.thirdday.com/music/songs/cry-out-jesus
To everyone who's lost someone they love

Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They've lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight