I know you may still be reeling from the events of last week. September 11 is always a somber day as we remember the evil attack on our nation. This year, the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10 left us with even more shock, anger, heartbreak, and fear.
So many words can, have, and will be said about Charlie, about the nature of the brutal crime, and about our response to it . . . and many of us will listen and try to process what has happened. My first reaction is that these horrific incidents are spiritual in nature and evidence of the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) for America. Evil is real. But God is good and is our firm foundation! I find myself leaning into the shelter of the Most High, clinging to the Rock of Ages. Trusting in God and His plan. For we know that God has planned in advance “all the days ordained for us” (Psalm 139), and we know that even what others intend for evil, God will use for good (Genesis 50:20).
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2
While we are shocked, I take comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father is not. He is our refuge and our strength (Psalm 46:1); he saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18); and his justice is sure (Romans 12:19).
Our prayers will focus on much over the next days, weeks, and months . . .
· for God to comfort the brokenhearted and be a father to the fatherless
· for words of grace and truth as we discuss these events with others
· for courage in the face of criticism and fear
· to abide in love, even when hated
· for strength and peace to go about the tasks God has given us, for his glory alone
· for revival in our land
A verse referenced by Erika Kirk in her first public comments is applicable to all: “For we know that God works all things together for good, for those who love God and are called according to his purposes.” (Romans 8:28)
The “good” in that verse does not refer to earthly comfort but conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29), closer fellowship with God, bearing good fruit for the kingdom, and final glorification (Romans 8:30). This was how Charlie Kirk lived. So even as we grieve, we grieve “not as those who have lost hope” (I Thes. 4:13-18). Our hope and our salvation lie in Christ alone.
Won’t you join in me in drawing near to Jesus, trusting in God, praying for a spiritual revival in America, and standing firm on our foundation?
Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I've never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
'Cause He's never let me down
He's faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won't, He won't
I've still got joy in chaos
I've got peace that makes no sense
So I won't be going under
I'm not held by my own strength
'Cause I've built my life on Jesus
He's never let me down
He's faithful in every season
So why would He fail now?
He won't, He won't
He won't fail, He won't fail
Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I've never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
'Cause He's never let me down
He's faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won't, He won't
He won't fail, He won't fail
