What a heartbreaking way to begin the second-last week of 2025. Though we live far from Bondi, the weight of what unfolded there reached us nonetheless. Waves of emotion followed — sorrow, fear, confusion, anger, grief, and an ache that words struggle to hold. Moments like this force us to confront the painful question: why is evil so rampant in our world?
My heart and prayers go out to all those impacted by the Bondi shootings — the victims, their families, first responders, and a community now carrying deep wounds. May God’s comfort, peace, and justice draw near in the midst of such profound loss 🕊🙌🙏❤️
I wrote this devotional before that fateful Sunday, and with everything that followed, I hesitated to share it. But then I saw this image and was reminded that God’s grace never withdraws. It is always present, freely given. Sometimes we simply need to look beyond the noise and the weight of what overwhelms us, to rise above it all in order to recognise it—and receive it.
Bible Reading đź“š
Revelation 12:17 (NIV)
“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.”
Targeted for Grace, Not Death
This passage in Revelation reminds us of a sobering truth: the enemy has always been at war with God’s people. The dragon’s rage is not random—it is intentional and targeted. Scripture makes it clear that those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus will face opposition.
The devil remains an enemy, disguising himself cleverly to deceive, distract, and discourage. Yet Revelation also reveals something deeply comforting: though we are targeted, we are not targeted for death—we are targeted for grace.
The spiritual battle begins early—indeed, from birth. As infants and children, before we can reason or choose for ourselves, we are covered by God’s grace. This truth helps us understand why Jesus rebuked His disciples for turning children away and declared that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14 NIV
[14] Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Children are not powerful in the world’s eyes, yet they are precious and protected in God’s Kingdom. They live in dependence, trust, and openness—qualities that God treasures.
As we grow older, God entrusts us with something extraordinary: choice. He gives us God‑given minds capable of thinking, questioning, discerning, and deciding what we believe. Even before creating Adam, God knew humanity would rebel—yet He still gave mankind an intellect more advanced than any other creation. Why?
Because love that is forced is not love at all. God desires willing hearts, not programmed obedience. The enemy wages war as we mature, knowing that decisions made in freedom carry eternal weight. But God never abandons us in that battle. He equips us through His Word, anchors us through prayer, and guards us through His Spirit. The hardships we endure are not signs of God’s absence; often, they are evidence that our faith matters.
When we choose God—after seeing the world’s temptations, experiencing pain, and recognizing deception—that choice glorifies Him profoundly. We are not loved because we obey; we obey because we are loved.
So we continue. We read Scripture daily. We pray continually. We trust God completely. The war may rage, but grace has already marked us, and victory already belongs to the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your grace that has covered us from birth and continues to surround us today. Help us to remain faithful, discerning, and rooted in Your Word. Strengthen us to hold fast to our testimony about Jesus, even when the battle feels intense. We trust that You are our protector, our refuge, and our victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To God be the glory always ❤️🙏
Idau Hahine 