Cheryl and I were traveling yesterday to attend a funeral. When I turned on the news in the morning, I saw the footage of a cargo ship hitting the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse.

What do we do with a tragedy like this? Not only was there a tragic loss of life for those construction workers, but this will cause hardships for thousands of workers in that port and no doubt have a detrimental impact on our economy and supply chain.

Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble. The last few years have given us plenty of evidence that this is true. But don’t forget what He said right after that.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We grieve and mourn with those families who lost loved ones. We pray for those whose livelihood will be adversely affected. But we live in the certainty that Jesus has overcome the world. He spoke these words just before He was betrayed, put on trial, beaten, crucified and buried. The events we remember this week are the evidence and proclamation of His victory. Knowing that He has paid for sin and gives that freely to all who trust in Him is what gives us peace. Hold on to that.

Lord, have mercy.