Colorado Freewill

    One of the most popular and, at the same time, devastating things to say to someone in the midst of trauma is, "It is all part of God's plan." A person might think they are being kind informing someone their pain and suffering was predestined to happen as part of God's master plan, but it's not. It is an evangelism tool that fails to move anyone towards a relationship with Christ. Therefore, it is not evangelistic at all.
    It has taken me a few days to post on the Colorado theater shooting because every time I read a news story about the event my heart aches and I feel a little sick. I really want to share my feelings and get those feelings out before the inevitable minister posts on God's unshakable will in the midst of tragedy. I know these ministers mean the best even when their best does more damage than good. Yet, what I am about to write perhaps isn't perfect either...
    God's will is unshakable. This might sound contradictory to what I just wrote, but not in context. God's will is unshakable but we always have the option to follow that will. Maybe it's times like these we wish God would turn us all into puppets, taking away our freewill. But without choice we cease to exist. Having the choice and making it is what makes us real. Having the choice to follow God's will makes us more than just puppets- we are instead God's unique creations.
    My heart aches because it appears clear to me God's will was ignored on July 20th. Countless lives have and will suffer for the decision of one person. It makes me a little sick because I realize this is how we treat God's precious Gift of freewill. God gives us love and we return it with destruction. God had a will and that will was ignored. For better or worse, there it is.
    But that's not the end of the story. I believe the Colorado shooter had a choice and he made a bad one. I have a choice too. I can choose to follow the straight paths. We all can. More than that, we can choose to make exceptional choices. Just as one man destroyed families in the matter of minutes, we can choose to bring fullness and healing in it's place.
    I do not know the amount of time I have left on this earth, but God willing, it is going to be exceptional.