When Disaster Strikes

The news from Oklahoma and Texas is horrible and difficult to bear. The tragic loss of life, especially the children in the elementary school, raises hard and gut-wrenching questions for all us. In times like these we pray for a faith that is bigger than our questions, and we thank God for a hope that is bigger than what a tornado can take away. We pray this hope can become real to the victims of this disaster.

As Christ-followers we are part of a Kingdom that is both here and is yet to come. What we witnessed yesterday was the groaning of creation for this Kingdom to come (see Romans 8:18-25). Jesus even predicted such occurrences would happen prior to the full consummation of His Kingdom (see Luke 21:11).

But now our response is to bear witness to the King we serve and the King we await.

• Let's all commit to praying for the victims that they may find and rest in the only hope that transcends this tragedy.


• Let's also pray for the first responders and relief organizations and churches that they may demonstrate the hope and love of Christ.


• Finally, as a church we are today donating thousands of dollars directly to the disaster relief efforts underway in Oklahoma. This is only possible because you faithfully give. Thank you for helping Rock Bridge respond quickly and generously in a way that prayerfully will meet practical life-giving needs in the days to come and offer hope for those in pain and grief.

Tragedies like these remind us that this broken world is not our home and that "here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14, NIV). We thank God for this hope and anticipation while praying today, perhaps more than before, "Lord, Your Kingdom come."