In this broken and sinful world, tragedy often happens when we least expect it, reminding us of our human fragility.
And for Melanie Yates, the wickedness of this fallen world took her life as she was killed by a stray bullet while reading Bible stories to her baby.
But despite the shock and grief her family is enduring, their faithfulness to Christ amidst unthinkable tragedy has an important lesson to teach us all.
Her mother Lam Caledron spoke openly about their grief – and their faith.
WLS-TV reported:
“Yates’ mother said she and her family don’t have any answers right now, and are left only with their unwavering faith.
“We have the hope and the assurance that she is in heaven right now with Jesus and one day we will see her again,” said Caledron. “That’s what we’re holding onto.”
And the truth is, as believers, that is all we can hold onto – our faith in Jesus Christ.
Storms and tragedies will happen in this life.
From sickness to death, broken relationships to wayward children – the results of our sinful world are all around us.
It can be tempting to become swallowed by despair or overcome with paralyzing heartache when life delivers us yet another crushing blow.
But as Christians, all we can truly do is cling to the cross.
Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “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.”
We know that if we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior – we are saved, and will spend eternity with Him in heaven forever.
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
We can’t possibly comprehend why Melanie’s life was taken by a stray bullet… while reading Bible stories to her babies no less.
But as Christians, we can cling to the cross and know that God is sovereign and always on His throne.
Melanie loved the Lord, and wanted to pass down her faith to her children, teaching them about Jesus.
Our hearts break for this sweet family – for the family that lost a wife, mother, daughter, and friend.
Let us all take a moment and pray for this family – that God will comfort them and give them His peace which surpasses all understanding, and that their faith will remain strong through unspeakable suffering.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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