Nothing will ever destroy God—or God’s goodness. Good appears and reappears in all times and places, and even under the most challenging circumstances, because God is always present. This has been repeatedly proven to me in my work teaching English online in several countries.  

One of my students living in a country confronting war told me a story in March reported by his country’s chief military advisor. An army doctor had gone onto the battlefield to care for a wounded soldier. Suddenly he looked up to see an enemy soldier above him aiming his rifle at him. But then, without explanation, the soldier lowered his gun, told the doctor he wouldn’t shoot him or the wounded soldier, and walked away. It’s not the first time I’ve heard such a story. 

A close friend with whom I worked many years had a similar experience. He spent years working to end regional conflicts, and his work periodically took him into war zones. One night my friend was caught in a surprise attack, facing a soldier with gun raised, ready to shoot. My friend began to talk to the soldier, telling him that he had no reason to kill, didn’t want to kill, and didn’t have to kill. The soldier lowered his gun and told my friend to leave quickly.