In this time of sorrow and unexplained death that took place in a suburban Milwaukee town, many are asking God, "Why?"

This is one of the most puzzling occurrences that has happened to a group of believers, and it has left so many traumatized. We do not have the answers as to why a man attending a church for many years would gun down the very people who loved and supported him. We must take comfort in the Scripture, knowing that God is in control.

I am reminded of Isaiah 55:9: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

God has not said we will be without pain or discomfort in this life. That is why He says: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

We may not have the immediate answers to this brutal slaying, but we can rest in the fact that God will see us through. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every person touched by this terrible tragedy.

Lori Bryant

Joplin, Missouri, congregation