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We ask the Lord for wisdom to guide us as we make the daily decisions of life. We also recognize that things well beyond our control happen to us and around us. Therefore, our trust should always remain in the Lord, not our ability. Sometimes, events can profoundly impact us and make us seek answers. The tragic loss at Westlake High School surfaced questions about how we deal with this in our hearts and community. We seek wisdom in these moments since we cannot make sense of senseless acts. As a church body, we grieve, and we mourn. We also find comfort, support, and love coming together in prayer. Love is a powerful force. The apostle Paul tells us that only love has the power to “bear and endure” all things. Therefore, it is not by our strength that we walk through hard seasons. We were not created to endure these hardships alone. We need the Lord’s strength, and we need each other. We were created for relationship. We were created for community. In difficult moments, we need to experience the love and compassion of Christ poured out from others.

Some of us today will look around for those who need to experience the love of Christ. Others will be on the receiving end; this is the body of Christ at work.

Reflection: God’s love for us is unconditional; find rest knowing that. As you go before the Lord in prayer, rest in His presence. Ask Him for wisdom to take the next right step and the next right step. Receive His love. How can you be an encouragement to someone today?

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