First off, I want to let you know that I am not writing to debate about gun control or border security. While I do think that we should be smart about defending ourselves, that is not my main concern here.

The real issue is: where are we putting our trust? Are we putting it our own power to protect ourselves, or are we putting it in our almighty God? No matter what we do in our own power, we cannot completely stop terrorism. In the midst of the terror that we face today, we must trust that God has a plan for all things.

God does not promise us a life of being comfortable. In fact, He promises that persecution will happen.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

James even tells us to be joyful when we face trials.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

There are countless times in the Old Testament when God allowed persecution against the very ones who were His “chosen people.” Sometimes He allowed it as punishment for their disobedience, and the purpose was to turn them back to Himself as their source of protection, defense, and provision.

God always has a plan and it will prevail regardless of what happens, and persevering through trials and praising Him through our sorrow makes us stronger and reminds us to cling to Him at all times.

Another thing we need to remember is: Jesus died for the terrorist just as much as He died for the person being persecuted. God may use our persecution to witness to the one who is persecuting. If at some point I'm killed by persecution, I know where I'm going! The instant I leave this earth, I will be face to face with my Jesus! Would God use the death of a Christian to save the killer? Absolutely. He sacrificed His own Son in order to save us all.

So, let's stop trying to end terrorism. We can't do it. Thankfully, we serve a God Who is mightier than any force of evil in this world. He is a God of justice, and in the end, He will win. The one thing we can do is pray. As we are praying for God to bring an end to the terror that we face, let’s also remember to pray for the souls of the persecutors. Let's pray for revival for ALL people.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32