We can’t explain 9/11; the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a man of God and founder of Turning Point USA; the current wars, or the suffering of our family and friends, except that evil exists in this fallen world. We know that God works good for those who are called according to His purpose. From tragedy God gives hope.
The World Groans
Romans 8:22-23 tells us, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
God Saves
We remember the story of Joseph. Joseph’s brothers threw him in a pit and later sold him. He became an Egyptian slave who ended up in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and became the one who preparing for a great famine and saving Egypt and his family during the famine.
Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Jesus endured the ultimate suffering. We know that because of sin—our sin—Jesus came into the world to endure the agony of the cross. On that cross, He paid the price we owe for our sins, death. But we know that three days later Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God speaking on our behalf.
God Is Good
In Randy Alcorn’s booklet, If God is Good: Why Do We Hurt?, we read, “Whenever you feel tempted to ask God, ‘Why are you doing this to me?’ look at the Cross and ask, ‘Why did you do this for me?’ … When it comes to goodness and evil, present suffering, and eternal joy … the first Word, and the last is Jesus” (pp. 74-75).
Paul asks in Romans 8:35-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
God Gives Hope
Take Heart!
Erika Kirk shared her hope in God today.
We know the end of the story.
One day, Christ’s followers, His overcomers, will see Him face-to-face, and there will be no more suffering, no more tears.
Come Lord Jesus!
Father, thank You for giving us the end of the story. Although tragedy slams us down, from that tragedy, You give us hope–hope in You and Your goodness. We pray for Erika Kirk, her children, and Turning Point USA and its employees. May they rejoice as You work throughout the world to bring an awakening among non-believers and a revival among Your people. May this tragedy bring hope and a return to You. May You be glorified. Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.
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