There is Comfort in Safety

Yesterday morning an inmate escaped from the prison in the town that we live in. He has been on the run for more than 23 hours now. Over the past 23 hours police offices, sheriff deputies, and state troopers have been called in from all of the surrounding towns, cities, and counties. SWAT teams, U.S. Marshals, and other law enforcement personnel have also been called in to join the "hunt". We have seen multiple police cars zipping up and down the street, officers posted at the various intersections around town, dogs searching vehicles and homes in specific areas around town, and the very noticeable search helicopters flying above our city with search lights turning about.

The schools went on "lock-down" twice yesterday, the students were held for an extra hour before being released, and busses were loaded with a police officer before sending children on their way home.

Both of the city parks were closed and cleared out yesterday afternoon with every person being questioned and every vehicle being searched.

Two of the trailer courts in town were evacuated and a thorough search through homes and vehicles - with dogs and officers - was done.

Reports are flying about on the television, newspaper, internet, telephone, and - of course - by word of mouth. Many stories are circulating of how this gentleman escaped, who is to blame, whether he is armed, where he was last seen, and what he is wearing.

But, in each and every report - as far-fetched as they are - the advisement is the same; "Stay inside, lock your doors, lock your cars, and do not approach this man. If you see him, call 911 right away."

Last night we went to bed and locked our doors - we do every night. We went to bed with the sound of hovering helicopters above our home. We went to bed with the sight of search lights circling our home. We went to bed with many different reports on the location and danger of this man.

But, although some thought was given to my own safety, I wasn't primarily worried about myself. I was worried more for my family - my wife and three young children. We were sure to pull them a little closer to our bed last night. I was sure to check the locks on the doors, and then recheck them, and then check again. I was sure to turn on all of the exterior lights around our home. And, I was sure to sleep with one eye open. Again, not because I was worried about my own safety, but because I worry about my family.

We woke today to hear that this man I still on the loose and that they have called in more search dogs and more U.S. Marshals to search and find this man. I do hope they find him soon!

There is something comforting about knowing that your family is safe. There is something comforting about being able to sleep knowing all is well.

As I thought about this situation this morning it occurred to me that the same is true when it comes to our faith in Jesus, our salvation, and our eternity. There is something comforting about knowing that your family is safe. There is something comforting about being able to rest knowing all is well.

Perhaps you need this comfort for yourself today. You need to assurance that you have been saved and that your future is secure.

Romans 10:13 states that; "Everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved."

Acts 4:12 states that; "Salvation is found in no one else [but Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

See, there is something comforting about knowing that you, that your family, and that your friends are safe. There is something comforting about being able to rest knowing all is well.

If you have never made this commitment to Jesus, I invite you to do so today. If you have, I invite you pray for and make an attempt to share the message of Jesus with all of your friends and family members.