Mercies Are New

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning: GREAT is thy faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22, 23

I can't remember when I have called out on the mercies of the Lord more than in these recent days. By now, the world has heard of the devastating tragedy that has happened at the YWAM-Denver base. On Sunday, December 9, two of my fellow YWAMmers lost their lives as a young man pulled out a gun and shot them. There is no way, this side of eternity, to make sense of this.

Tiffany Johnson and Phil Crouse are heroes. They laid their lives down, way before this gunman took their lives. They had counted the cost of following Jesus. They were willing to go to the ends of the earth with the good news of Jesus Christ. They were also willing, in wisdom, to say "No" to a young man. In doing so, they most likely saved the lives of many other YWAMmers located in that building.

As YWAM leaders here, Todd and I have walked through some of this with our staff and students, praying for our extended family. We all are impacted in some way. Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With A Mission, said, "Although YWAM is spread all around the world, we are not only a ministry but a family, and this touches each of us very personally."

Our new neighbor came over to offer condolences and to offer to help in any way. Also, to check on our group here, as she cares for us so much. Our sales consultant at AT&T could only say, "I am so sorry." People have called to pray with us and just to say, I am so sorry.

Again, there are no explanations to this tragedy. We pray for the families of Phil and Tiffany, as they walk through these days, weeks, years. I offer no answers, only open arms to comfort, ears to listen and heart to cry and mourn this tremendous loss.

I do know this...God is Faithful. He is Just. He is Loving. He is Compassionate. He is Kind. He is Holy. He is Trustworthy. He is full of Grace. He is Merciful. He is a keeper of promises.

He says that his love never ceases. He says that his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness. His mercies are new to us today.

I will continue to walk out in proclaiming the faithfulness and holiness of my God. I will continue to challenge young people to lay their lives down, to Go!, to make an impact on a world in great need of a Saviour! And, to draw on His mercies that are new every morning!