Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History - Where was God?

Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History - Where was God during this?

October 2, 2017

© by Ronald Kern

© Ronald Kern

OPINION

A retired accountant opened fire from a hotel room, overlooking more than 22,000 attendees of an outdoor concert in Las Vegas, on 10/1/17, at about 10:00pm.  Having two vantag points to shoot from (two corner windows) and armed with 10 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition, it was a maniac and deranged persons ideal situation. 

He sprayed the crowd below him, literally like fish in a barrel, and as I write this, there is 59 confirmed deaths and more than 527 wounded, most shot while some trampled to death in the chaotic attempt to escape.

My daughter sent me a text after retiring to bed about a shooter in Las Vegas, which prompted me to get on my iPad to read the latest reports.  Subsequently, this led me to tune into a police scanner of the Las Vegas Police Department.  I continued reading online while also listening to the most up-to-date information from the police department, hearing real-time of things taking place as I lay safe in my bed, knowing this was going to be bad, not realizing that this would be the worst mass shooting in modern day history.

It's of my opinion the United States hasn't been this gripped with fear, anger, sadness, and grief since the Twin Towers fell back in 2001.  I watched videos from those attending the concert on their Twitter accounts, trying to realize how they were feeling and put myself in their shoes, knowing I would fall short, and instead prayed for it to end. 

"Why does God let things like this happen?"  "Where was God during this?"  These questions were sprinkled through the many posts I came across and is fairly common when something of this scale takes place.

Suffering and pain are real. The people affected by tragedies are real people, their pain is real pain, and their tears are real tears. Jesus acknowledges the reality of suffering in John 16:33, "I have told you  these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but have courage--I have conquered the world."

Where did tragedy/pain/suffering originate and can it be eliminated?  The answer is Sin. Tragedy is the result of sin. It exists; it is real. From Genesis chapter three and the Fall of man until today, suffering and pain are a natural part of the world in which we live. Where sin exists, its consequences are never far behind. Tragedies are a reality and they will continue as long as sin continues.

It's my opinion that God does not cause or design such tragedies, nor does he condone it.  God doesn't seek revenge upon the earth by "causing" mass shootings, "making" devestating weather, or punish parents by giving them a child stricken with cancer.  God does however use all things for his good.  Romas 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

It's hard for our minds to rationalize that something good can come from something so evil.  I also can understand that it's far easier to get angry, start the blame game, and turn events such as this into an opportunity to discuss gun control or use it politically.  It's easy to have the "world is falling apart" pop into your thoughts, along with a myriad of other things.  I don't have all the answers nor can I predict or even fathom what God will do with this very unfortunate slaying of so many innocent people, but He will.

We cannot just focus on the act itself and how this lone wolf causes death, fear, and mahem. Through this tragedy there were many heroes who saved lives and helped complete strangers, some had uniforms while many did not.  Innocent lives were lost while others were saved and spared.  It's a sad day in our history and one I hope not to be repeated.

This isn't the time to blame the President of the United States.  It isn't the time to discuss gun control and nor is it the time for you, me, or anyone else to prove a point.  It is a time, in my opinion, to help where you can.  Tell someone in blue "Thank You."  You can also donate money to the victims and donate blood as it is greatly needed, but first and most important it is a time to pray.

I hope that you consider praying for those affected by what took place yesterday in Las Vegas, and if you aren't sure how to pray or you haven't done so before, I'll offer one for you.

“Heavenly Father, because of you we can enjoy peace in a world that knows no peace. Because of you we can offer comfort to a world that doesn’t know you. Because of you, we can rest secure in the arms of a loving heavenly Father.  You suffered the ultimate tragedy (you gave up your only Son)—because you love us. Thank you, Lord, for suffering tragedy for us.  Please comfort the survivors of those who lost their lives and provide a blanket of love, comfort, and peace for everyone involved.  Please help heal this country and provide leadership at the national, state, and city levels.  We say these things in your awesome, glorious, and victorious name, Amen.”

Ronald Kern might be considered the epitome of an entrepreneur.   He was the founder and CEO of a multimillion-dollar private investigation company, which started in the basement of his parents home and became one of the top five (5) investigation firms in the United States.  It, as were his multitude of other businesses, were sold in late 2013 allowing him to "retire" at the age of 44.  

Since retirement, he started Passion In Action International, which focuses on positive life transformation of individuals, which in turn, effects all areas of their life.

A published author, Ronald also writes for several magazines and is a freelance investigative journalist.  He enjoys writing on several topics and venues, especially on this blog.

Happily married for 26 years, Ron and Lisa founded two non-profits, LIMBitless and Voices of the Rescued.