Oh, God, Where Are You Now?

This is a question that I'm sure many in Blacksburg and around the nation are asking at this moment. In the wake of such evil many wonder how God could allow such a thing to happen, such horrific violence upon so many innocent. While it may not seem like it though, God was there.

He was there when Professor Librescu stood in the doorway to block the killer, allowing his students to try to escape through the windows; giving his life so that others might live. (In all the accounts I read of yesterday this is still the one that gets to me the most. "A greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." To have that kind of courage and love for others to be willing to sacrifice in such a manner; it sweeps me away)

He was there when Zach Petkewicz motivated his classmates to move a table to block the door of his classroom, preventing the killer from getting into the room and killing more people.

He was there when Derek O'Donnel, despite already being shot, worked with other students in his class to block the door so that the killer could not return to kill even more students.

He was there when police responded to the calls for help and proceded to secure the scene and get aid to those that were wounded.

He was there when doctors worked to save the lives of those who had been shot, not once, but for several as many as three or four times.

And He is here now, comforting those who are greiving from the horror of this evil brought upon us.

While free will exists, allowing man to do horrible things to each other, God is there in the midst of it all. In the end what man would do for evil, God will turn for His glory. And while we are completely incapable of fathoming how good can come out of something that brings such sorrow and sadness, we can trust that in all things God is sovereign, good, and just.

I don't know how God plans to work in all this, but it is my prayer that as He moves among His people others will come to know Him and the "peace that passes all understanding" that allows someone to face such horrors with confidence that "all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose."