"AN ACT OF GOD"

Some people say "everything happens for a reason", with the implication that God plans all the bad stuff in our lives with some good end in mine. I totally disagree. God has given us the freedom to make choices in life. Our self-centeredness explodes into all forms of sin, including actions that drastically harm others.  Even all of creation is tainted by the brokenness and corrosion of sin. So yes, bad things happen in this fractured world. But when we turn to God, who is filled with wisdom, power, goodness and compassion ... when we  place our brokenness in God's hands... the Lord can transform even the effects of evil into good.... that does not diminish our pain or loss... it brings us hope....a confidence that God will walk with us, pull us through... and yes in spite of evil, make us stronger and more durable. What happened in Boston was NOT an "Act of God"! How people responded with courage and kindness? ... that was God at work!  Therefore let us all continue to pray for those whose lives have been ripped apart. And may we all be alert!