Running in the Right Direction

I once read about a pastor that said one of the most difficult experiences in his many years as a pastor, was telling a member of his church that her husband, her son, and her father-in-law had all drowned in a boating accident. He knew the news would shatter her life. In the days following this tragic loss, he was amazed as she and her family responded with unusual faith. Sure, there was deep brokenness, haunting doubt, and confusion. But, when nothing else made sense, they still had Jesus. Rather than deserting Him in the midst of their desperately difficult days, they ran to Him as the only source of hope and confidence. Why do we tend to stay away from church, from Godly friends, or a prayer life, when something terrible happens to us? Shouldn't that be when we want to draw closer to Him? This reminds me of a reaction of the disciples to Jesus, in the Bible story of John 6:53-69. After some of them "went back and walked with Him no more", because He was hard to understand(John 6:66), Jesus turned to His inner circle, and asked, "Do you want to go away, too?" Peter got it right when he responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Where can you go, when all "hell breaks loose" in your life? Whatever you face today, be encouraged by the words of Peter, and by the example of a family who went through fire with their faith intact. As long as you're running in the right direction......to Jesus.....you'll find the grace and strength you will need. He provides His strength and guidance, with a peace we can't explain. When all is lost, remember that you haven't lost Jesus. Run to Him.