The scepter of evil will not remain in the land given to the righteous

SUMMARY: Evil exists in the world, but God has put a limit on it. We are people of faith who believe that good will ultimately prevail. Events like the Boston Marathon bombing remind us of the mysterious nature of the world, but even in the face of evil, goodness and heroism emerge. In our weaknesses and sufferings, we can become stronger and better channels for God's grace to flow. We pray for those who have been affected by the tragedy and hope they find peace and spiritual strength. God's love still has the last word.

As we have so graphically verified this week, evil exists in this world. But God has also put a limit on it. It can only manifest for a moment, but then it has to give the space to a Higher and Noble Power, who ultimately has all control.

We are people of faith. We believe in a benevolent God who holds history with a steady hand; who, although allowing hatred and fanaticism to have their moment, has also declared time and again, through the many voices of faith in this millennium, that in the end, good will prevail; that, yes, "weeping may remain at night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:50).