So You Still Believe In A Merciful God?

posted by Erin Davis on 08/06/12 | Twitter: @ErinGraffiti
Category: Faith; ; 37 comments

woman at a funeralWe all watched in horror three weeks ago as news reports of an attack by a single gunman in a movie theater poured into our TVs, radio waves, and Twitter feeds. Those kinds of gruesome news stories tend to grip my heart and mind pretty tightly. In response I tend to glue myself to the news hoping hope will float up.

It was in that state of anxious searching that I found this post by Aurora shooting survivor Marie. Marie was in the theater with her two daughters when the shooting started. What's been her takeaway? God is merciful.

Apparently I'm not the only one who looks for hope in the face of tragedy. Marie's post has been read more than a million times. She gave me permission to pass it along to you. Here's Marie's story in her own words.


(Maybe, just maybe God spared my life because He loves YOU and wants you to hear this ... He wants you to believe that He loved you so much He gave His only begotten Son that if you would believe in Him you would have eternal life.)

"So, you still believe in a merciful God?" Some of the comments online are genuinely inquisitive; others are contemptuous in nature. Regardless of the motive behind the question, I will respond the same way.

Yes.

Yes, I do indeed.

Absolutely, positively, unequivocally.

Let's get something straight: the theater shooting was an evil, horrendous act done by a man controlled by evil. God did not take a gun and pull the trigger in a crowded theater. He didn't even suggest it. A man did.

In His sovereignty, God made man in His image with the ability to choose good and evil.

Unfortunately, sometimes man chooses evil.

I was there in theater 9 at midnight, straining to make out the words and trying to figure out the storyline as The Dark Night Rises began. I'm not a big moviegoer. The HH and I prefer to watch movies in the comfort of our own home ... where I can use subtitles and get a foot rub. I don't like action movies. And I don't like midnight showings. But ... parents sometimes make sacrifices for their kiddos, and I decided I would take my fourteen-year-old and sixteen-year-old daughters who were chomping at the bit to see this eagerly anticipated third movie in the Batman Trilogy. Twice I had the opportunity to back out and twice I was quite tempted. But something in me said just go with your girls. I did.

So I was there with them, fidgeting in my seat, some forty or fifty feet away from the man with the gun. It's still a bit surreal, but I do know that when the seemingly endless shooting started, as my girls were struggling from whatever gas or chemical had been released, and we figured out what was happening, we hit the floor. I threw myself on top of my fourteen-year-old who was on the end of the row, straight up the aisle from the shooter. In that moment, as the rapid-fire shots continued, I truly thought I was going to die. And I realized that I was ready. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of my soul, and there wasn't the slightest doubt that I would be received into heaven, not because of any good thing that I have done but because of His merciful nature and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Still, as I lay over my daughter, I began praying out loud. I don't even remember what I prayed, but I don't imagine it really matters. I'm sure it was for protection and peace. It drew me closer into the presence of God. When there was a pause in the shooting, people began to clamor for the exits. The girls and I jumped up and joined the masses. We had to step over a lifeless body, people were screaming and pushing, not knowing where the shooter was. We raced to our car and I dumped my purse, frantically searching for keys, looking all around, prepared to hit the ground. I yelled at Michelle to call Matthew and find out if he had made it out of the theater next door. She did. He did. We booked on out of there.

Why would you think such a tragedy would make me question the goodness of God? If anything, both of my girls said it made Him a much more real presence to them; the youngest shared this verse: "Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught" (Prov. 3:25–26).

He is not the cause of evil, but He is the one who can bring comfort and peace in the midst of evil. It's been amazing to see the outpouring of love from so many people after this unthinkable act. Yes, there was one evil act, but it is being covered by thousands, possibly millions of acts of kindness.

We have not yet slept, so the girls and I are overtired and a bit emotional. But overall, we are praising God and resting in His goodness. I love this word of wisdom and encouragement from a former pastor of mine:

Up to this point I haven't had words to say that would matter. Of course we are all glad that you and the family are safe. Of course we would all state the obvious that this is horrific and senseless. But those words still don't carry weight that remains in the midst of the questions. Then it hit me... Do you know what the difference was between Job and his wife in their response to the tragedy of losing everything? Job 1:20. Job was the only one that worshiped in the midst of it. Marie, I know your heart and I've seen your worship lived out before your family. Before the weight of this becomes unbearable ... worship...

Though we don't have all the answers, we do indeed listen to the cry of our hearts: "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?" (Ps. 56:3–4).

God is always good.

Man is not.

Don't get the two confused.

We will continue to praise and worship our mighty God, anticipating that He will bring beauty from ashes, as only He can do ...

Pray for the families who lost loved ones and for young people who witnessed such horror. Pray for this to be an opportunity for God to manifest Himself in mighty ways.

As for you ... we will pray that YOU might know His goodness.

Still grateful for this wonderful life,
Marie

Note: Be sure to hop back on the blog tomorrow for a follow-up interview with Marie to read her thoughts about the shooting three weeks later.

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    girl
    AWESOME
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 1:10 am
    So glad to hear this....this was amazing. I'm sorry she had to go through that, but God had her be there for a reason. May many turn to Jesus through this!
    Anonymous
    ?
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 1:55 am
    I totally believe that God is a merciful God, but what I don't understand is why some people were saved and some were not. God could have stepped in and saved all of them, or He could of allowed them all to die. So why some, but not others??
    cece
    Re:
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 2:23 am
    Wow! Such a powerful story glory be to God!
    Josephina
    Re: Anonymous
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 3:28 am
    Why did God let this happen? This seems to be a question a lot of people ask. God gives us each the choice to do evil or good. We all suffer naturally or at the hand of someone else. We all die. The shooter had the choice to do evil or good and he chose badly, but God is not going to take away his free will because his choice hurts someone else, but this guy has major consequences. We all need to remember that we are going to die and we never know when, although we never think it's soon. God's plan and His ways are perfect and we must trust Him because he's infinitely powerful and we cannot even wrap our brains around how great He trully is.
    Kym
    Re: Anonymous
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 5:09 am
    God chooses to save some and not others because He is also just. Yes, He is merciful. But we totally don't deserve that mercy. We have no right to it after we fell into sin. But God has chosen some of us to be His children. But He can't be God without also being just - if He were not just at all then He wouldnt be truly Him. He needs to show the world His mercy AND His justice. I hope you can understand what I'm saying.
    Jenna
    Re:
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 9:27 am
    So inspiring: "I truly thought I was going to die. And I realized that I was ready. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of my soul..." I cried when I read this- Marie, I admire your faith. Praying for the families of everyone in that theater.
    Tabby
    cece
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:01 am
    I'm also having a hard time understanding why God chooses to save some and not others. To me it actually sounds really unfair. Like what was the point of creating all the other people He wouldn't save, if He loved them? Help anyone??
    Dauhter fo the King
    re
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:19 am
    I was in complete shock when i turned on my computer friday morning and saw the news. I immediately wrote my friens who at the time was at a hospital being treated for gunshot wounds. I was feaking out because when her mom emailed me to let me know what had happened to her i broke down crying. She is doing fine now but i keep thinking why did God let this happen? But then i remembered if the gunmans gun hadnt jamed more people would be either dead or hurt. I am keeping my eye on the news formore news about what is going to happen to him. I have been praying hard for James Homles. He needs our prayers not comdemnation. We need to remember as Christians not to judge him but his actions and behavior. People right now want him to get the death penltey. Why? So you will feel satisfied by his death. To avenge your loved ones who was either hurt or killed. That wont solve anything. Remember what God says that "vengence his mine says the lord."
    We have to remeber that what hedd is wrong but God still loves him. He died for James Holmes sin. I was not there personaly but my heart and prayers were. One women said she wants him to suffer as much as she did. What is the point of that?
    Whatwas the point of so much hurt and anger and suffering. I leave you with these words. "Draw near to God and he will draw nwaer to you."
    Elaina
    Whoa
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:43 am
    Thank you, Marie for your inspiring post! I am going to share it with my family!!!
    Sarah
    Re: Anonymous and Tabby
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:52 am
    I also am wondering this... is the answer that God gives us the choice and only some of us choose his way?
    MG
    Worship in the midst of it
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 11:41 am
    This was so encouraging. I have been struggling with a couple of things that do not at all compare with what Marie and her daughters experienced. I keep forgetting that I don't have to earn salvation, but that the Lord Jesus has been merciful and granted me salvation. It give me reassurance again, but it was also so encouraging to remember that in the midst of everything to worship! I forget that, so thank you for two great reminders!
    Tabby
    oops...
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 11:55 am
    Sorry, cece. I meant anonymous. I must have gotten mixed up. lol
    LindseyV
    Ditto
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 12:15 pm
    Ditto anonymous, Tabby, and Sarah. This question has been bothering me a looong time. Is it just for God to create people He KNOWS will refuse him and end up in hell?
    AnnaBelle
    WOW!!
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 12:46 pm
    That is So True!! Thank you so much for sharing Marie's story, I'll be sure to check back tomorrow and read more.
    Lily in the field
    RE: Anonymous
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 1:42 pm
    Hi, Anonymous just remember that God causes ALL things to work for good, I don't know how he can do that with this terrible situation but he does.

    Psalm 95:10
    And they do not know my ways...
    Anonoymous 101
    Thank-you!!!! And Your story encouraged me! And what an aweful tragedy!
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 3:59 pm
    WOW!!! Your story really encouraged me Marie!!!!! I'm so sorry, you had to face such horror!!!!! And my prayer is that dude, gets the punishment he deserves for what he did!!


    But more importantly, that God brings amazing peace and comfort and your story encouraged me! I was diagnosed with PTSD to make a long story short, and

    God has given me the grace to continue to heal and over-come my PTSD it's a lot of hard work. (Long story, wont go into details) One of the words God gives me is: I have never left you nor forsaken you!:) HE is always there!!:)

    Sometimes, I ask the question God why did you allow this to happen to me? What did I do? God is a merciful God, and it's hard to understand why God allows believers to go through hard things and trust Him!

    One thing I know, is you have an amazing testimony!!!! It touched my heart, and one thing else God is showing me is forgiveness is the one thing that brings total healing, your family will be in my prayers!!

    Thank-you for the scriptures, it's not easy to trust God some-times when you're world is turned upside down, but God is still in control! Thank-you for sharing!!!!:)

    I don't understand sometimes why God allows bad things to happen to those who LOVE HIM, and Care for HIM. You're right, that man was pure evil who did that.

    But again: For God works all things together for good for those who love HIM and are called according to HIS purpose! And bring Glory to HIS name:) Your in my prayers:)
    Abigail
    Re:
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 4:42 pm
    My amazing friend BonnieKate was shot in the knee at the shooting and here is her response! It is SO encouraging! http://www.wafb.com/story/19087262/wounded-teen-expresses-feelings-toward-accused-shooter?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7532167#.UA2PAfKhe1Q.facebook
    Daughter of the king
    re
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 6:41 pm
    so i noticed alot of you and me included had a lot of questions why God would save some and then some died. My dad said that God has a plan for our lives. I think why the people died was because God saw something good come out of it. I sit true that good comes out of the bad???
    Kathryn
    Wow!
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 7:04 pm
    That is an incredible story! Thank you so much. It really blessed my day.
    GG
    Re:
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 7:45 pm
    What a terrible story, but what an incredible response for Marie to have! God truly is good, and He is merciful. I don't doubt that many people are questioning why this happened, and I think what she said about the choices we make is an important thing to remember. God has given us free will. We can choose to do what is right, or do what is wrong. Sometimes it's hard to tell right from wrong, and it is so important at those times to go to His Word for guidance! Other times it's easy to tell the difference, and at times people still choose the wrong choice.
    I know a lot of people are wondering "Why?" after an event like this. I don't blame anyone who is. I feel that way too, seeking for a reason and an understanding of why this happened, and why God let it. What I have to remember is that God is all-knowing, and we're not. I was reading a book the other day, and the girl in it was talking about how the comfort to her wasn't that she understood things any better, but that she knew there was something to be understood. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but it does remind me that we won't understand everything in this life. Sometimes we just have to cling to the hope and the promise that there is something to be understood.
    Brittany
    Re:
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 9:02 pm
    this was an amazing post. I can honestly say, and think the same exact way as this lady did. Though it had took me time to even try to imagine things like this, I could. I would of had no choice if it were time for me to go, but I'm ready, but scared. The scary thing is, this can happen anywhere, but always be prepared. Thanks for sharing the post again!
    Brianna
    Re: Tabby and Sarah
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:15 pm
    Hi Tabby! This topic is one of great controversy among Christians. I believe that God chose everyone to go to heaven and live with Him forever. But He gave us a choice between heaven and hell. He wasn't going to force His love on us. Man chose to sin. Because of that we are separated from God until we decide to accept the free gift of salvation. It breaks His heart when someone chooses not to follow Him. But because he loves us, He gives us the choice between heaven and hell. Does that help? I'd love to chat more about it!
    Lorree, with the LYWB team
    Sarah
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:17 pm
    God does give man a free will – the ability to choice. He will never force Himself on anyone. It is our choice to believe in Him and receive His free gift of salvation. That free gift is available to anyone who believes that Jesus Christ took our place on the cross to pay the debt for our sin. Not everyone will choose God’s way. But everyone does have the choice.
    Lorree, with the LYWB team
    Tabby
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:18 pm
    2 Peter 3:9 says that God is patient and doesn’t want anyone to perish. But He also won’t force Himself on anyone, either. He wants followers who choose to love Him and serve Him out of their love for Him. He loves everyone in the whole world and He died for each one of them (Jn. 3:16). I’m sure it grieves Him when people don’t choose to receive His gift of love and choose instead to rely on their own works or other means to please Him. While we may not be able to understand God’s ways this side of Heaven, we can trust that His ways are best (Is. 55:8-9).
    Chey
    Love this Concept
    on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:40 pm
    I love how God is always in control of everything. I am willing to walk through the valley of the shadow of death because I know that if I am following God, it is His will. I view life as a path that always has a leader. We always follow that leader and that leader is on the throne of our heart. If Christ Ian on the throne we are following him but if anything thing else is our treasure we are not following God's plan. God can lead us anywhere. It is our purpose to trust and follow Him with child-like faith. I have nothing to fear because God will work out everything for His glory. Nothing can thwart God's plans.

    Thanks for a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness.
    Anonymous
    Re:
    on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11:52 am
    When someone dies, especially young and tragic it can be hard for many to understand. But for someone who truly believes in heaven (millions of years until forever in a perfect place with God), then does it really matter if it is 8 years or 80 years on this earth? Jesus was innocent and was slaughtered, so if someone dies the same way it reminds us of Him and brings Him glory. Those who are persecuted and suffer for God will be rewarded. Also God can use evil for good and perhaps the loss of someone will send someone else to be saved as they seek God in the pain and start to question what is after this life. God gives us all freedom to choose wise or foolish, good or evil. He doesn't put a protective hedge around us or intervene all the time. We can ask Him to in our prayers or call out, but it is up to Him. It is not wise to go out at night because in the darkness evil is more likely to lurk. Also not wise to go to a violent movie or movies centered around make believe. We should keep our eyes fixed on pure and holy things and things centered around God and His Word. Tragedy can still happen, but is lees likely when we live wise. Drive careful and do not go out to unsafe places or at unsafe times. An exception to this is if you feel called to ministry that brings you into danger to reach the lost, and in that case God be with you.
    Anonymous
    Re:
    on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11:56 am
    Also look at Job in the Bible. If God did everything we wanted, of course people would love him because all of their selfish desires would be met. But the true test of love, unconditional love, is will you love God when you have nothing? Or will you stop believing at this point and blaspheme Him? Is God alone your everything and your blessing, or do you only love the things you get from him, your health, the people you love, your possessions, and your earthly body? Live not for this world which will perish away, but for your eternal home in heaven.
    Christina
    Wow
    on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 8:16 pm
    That is amazing and so true!
    online plagiarism
    Re:
    on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11:03 pm
    Thank you, it's very inspiring description it might be very helpful for students. For example last year when I had a difficult of time at the end of semester with a eternal flow of academic assignments and tasks, I had a awesome idea to buy it somewhere and than use plagiarism check "plagiarismsearch.com". I was so exhausted that I did not care for what can come to light when my academic work was written by flipside person. To my admirable surprise, research paper was honest the price I paid for it. I was so pleased with the quality and now everytime i use this service.
    Lorree, with the LYWB team
    Daughter of the King
    on Friday, August 10, 2012 at 2:25 pm
    Your dad is right on track, friend. This is a principle found throughout Scripture. Not everything that happens in our lives will we view as necessarily good. But God is able to bring good out of the bad as we trust Him with the whole picture. Romans 8:28 says that “…for those who love God all things work together for good…” It’s also seen in Genesis 50:20 that Joseph testified to his brothers, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” We are also told in Isaiah 61:3 that God will “…grant to those who mourn in Zion…a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit….”
    While we may never understand all that happens in our lives, as we surrender it to our Almighty God, He will use it for our good to conform us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29).
    Jennifer
    Save some and not save others (Anonymous, Tabby, & Sarah)
    on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:20 pm
    I believe that God gave everyone the choice, and that he judges by our hearts. Those who reject the gospel obviously do not have willing hearts. As for those who never have the chance to hear, well, I don't know if you have ever read the Chronicles of Narnia books, but in the Last Battle (the last book) I think that C. S. Lewis makes a good point. ( The Chronicles of Narnia is a christian fantasy series.) When Aslan (representing Jesus) talks to the young Calormene who serves Tash (Satan), he says that he devotedly and loyally served Tash, but that all good done was to him (Aslan), while any bad done was to Tash. So if they blindly serve their god as they would Jesus, it counts toward him. I hope that made sense.
    Tabby
    Jennifer
    on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:33 pm
    Thanks, Jennifer! That sorta did make sense. Thanks for pointing that out!
    Jennifer
    Tabby
    on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 6:30 pm
    Hey, I'm glad somebody understood!
    Anonymous
    Jennifer
    on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 1:28 am
    Thanks Jennifer, that helped :)
    Sarah, with the LYWB team
    @Anonymous…
    on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 1:11 pm
    I’ve thought much about your question. The thought that keeps coming to my mind is that every person in that theater had their life in God’s hands, just like all of us. He set their life span before there was even a day of their life. “Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with You, and You have appointed his limits that he cannot pass.” (Job 14:5) No person’s life is ever “cut short.” God knows from the beginning when each person’s purpose will be fulfilled. And then they are ushered home to Heaven, or to a place where God dwells not. That’s why we must all be ready and make the decision for Christ TODAY as the Scripture says. (Heb. 3:13, 15)

    What we can know…is that God always acts with a heart of love. His love is never questionable. When we learn to trust Him in all things, we can rest that He knows the bigger picture and He has eternity in view for each of us. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

    Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones and those who suffered such trauma. May the Lord give great grace and peace to all.
    breezy
    praise the lord!
    on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 2:42 pm
    I cannot believe it! i've never heard that story from the point of view of someone who was there before! Praise the lord your still alive! I cant even begin to imagin what it would be like being there!
    Sarafina
    Cant believe how much this helped!
    on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 6:41 am
    Ages ago I was struggling with this huge fear that had only recently arise, Fear of the future. I was terrified, and didnt know what to do. I w\as just back from a mission trip to Romania so I should have been filled with Joy, but I had spent the past year trying to get to Romania. Now that I was back, I didnt have a clue what God wanted me to do next. I asked God what it was He wanted me next to do, what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life, I know to serve Him, but doing WHAT! There seemed to be no answer. Then a friend of mine posted this on my Facebook wall. And I felt at peace, I wasnt so afraid of the future. And do you know whats funny months ago I bought the book, "Lies young women believe" and I didnt know the link was from this sit until now. I love how God works =D!!! xox

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