“For a few days, life can be filled with difficulty for men” (Job 14:1).
This serves as a reminder that God is greater than suffering. Over time, He can transform unimaginable evil into something good. The existence of evil may feel eternal, but it actually has a beginning and an end. Evil is, in fact, not eternal.
Evil can inflict pain, but it cannot achieve victory. Yes, pain can be intense, but we have the hope of resurrection through Jesus.
On Wednesday, I felt my heart break. I was texting with Charlie Kirk late on Sunday night. Just hours later, our shared friends were unexpectedly called to be with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8). Charlie’s life was cut short by a horrific act of violence; he was murdered.
When faced with such evil, our hearts often wrestle with questions: Why, Lord? The heaviness of sadness can crush us, leading to anxiety and fear. Yet, these moments call for a deeper anchor for our souls.
George Muller, a noted prayer warrior from the 19th century, once shared that his faith grew over time, “My faith is the same faith that all believers see. It has gradually increased over the past 26 years.”
Muller’s insights remind us of crucial truths: True peace stems not from explanations but from God’s promises.
Many of us are struggling with worry or fear, feeling quite unstable right now. We need a firm anchor for our souls, something to help mix our emotions and allow us to place one foot in front of the other.
It’s vital to remember that God is alongside us in our grief. Through His Son, and now through His Spirit, He enters our pain. In the midst of our sorrow and loss, He offers the hope of eternal life, even when it may feel like there’s little purpose. In His presence, we find peace, hope, joy, and life.
Understanding evil can be a futile pursuit; there’s little mental value in trying to grasp it. Evil often mixes confusion into the goodness intended for our lives.
Also, it’s okay not to have the right words. The Bible reassures us: “The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We don’t know how to pray, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).
In light of this, I’d like to offer four biblical anchors that can stabilize our souls as we mourn Charlie’s loss and confront the pain and evil in our world.
1. God forgives and oversees all my circumstances
Joseph experienced deep injustice for 13 years when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, landing him in prison (Genesis 39). Was he within God’s will? Yes. Was God still in control? Absolutely.
Many years later, when face-to-face with his brothers who betrayed him, Joseph said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). What was meant to break Joseph was utilized by God to save a nation and uphold His promises leading to the Messiah.
Similarly, God is working through our pain today. That situation in your life may seem unbearable and senseless. Remember, He is still in charge. He is present and capable of extracting good from what appears evil, even when we don’t see how.
Let’s pray for Charlie’s beloved wife, children, and family. We hold on to the promise that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). We take comfort in the reality that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).
2. When evil occurs, we rely on our promises—not explanations
Ultimately, seeking explanations often brings little in terms of spiritual value or healing. An explanation rarely mends a shattered heart and often leads us to more questions. However, God’s promises remain steadfast. As truth-seekers, we may confront evil and hope for justice, yet we know that even if our concerns are addressed, peace remains elusive.
To experience true peace, we must learn to live by faith, guided by God’s promises and character. No one thrives by simply accepting explanations. The heroes of faith portrayed in the Bible, many of whom endured great suffering, thrived because they believed in God’s promises. Faith embraces God’s word without demanding explanations. It’s not wrong to ask “Why?”—but perhaps God desires us to trust Him, even in those moments.
When we face suffering, we realize a profound truth: our lives are more meaningful when we align with God’s will.
Living by faith means adhering to God’s Word, no matter our feelings or circumstances. It means holding tightly to His truth, even in the heaviest of burdens or darkest days.
It necessitates a commitment to living by promise, rather than seeking explanations.
You might never know why Charlie’s life ended so tragically. Evil is nonsensical, and we shouldn’t expect to understand it. Our hope does not rest on explanations but on the unwavering goodness of God.
3. Suffering can reaffirm my faith
Suffering strips away any illusion of self-sufficiency and highlights our vulnerability without God.
Consider Abraham, asked to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis 22). This unimaginable test revealed the depth of his faith in God. But at just the right moment, God provided a ram.
In the same way, trials provide us opportunities to recognize God as our sole provider. Enduring suffering shapes our faith, refines our hopes, and draws us closer to the Lord who holds our days.
Experiencing suffering reveals just how fragile our lives become without God’s guidance. Trials clear away illusions and show that the true value of life lies beyond the temporary—it’s eternal.
4. In due time, everything will be revealed, and God’s ultimate purpose will be fulfilled
Figures like Abraham, Joseph, and Job were often left bewildered by their suffering. Understanding came only later as they could look back and recognize God’s hand at work during their trials.
Even Jesus experienced profound sorrow.
On the eve of His crucifixion, He confided to His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). In His despair, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39). Just hours later, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
In times of darkness, we discover this unyielding truth: Jesus understands, He stays near, and He redeems.
This week, we share in the heavy sadness surrounding the tragic news of Charlie’s murder. Like the great saints, we may not yet grasp why such tragedies happen. Still, we cling to the same promises they did.
The author of Hebrews reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
And we hold on to God’s words: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Charlie loved Jesus and was proud of the gospel. Today we mourn his loss, but we do so not as those without hope. Because of the resurrection, we know this is not the end. Just as God restored Joseph from his suffering and provided for Abraham, He will ultimately wipe away every tear.
Until that day, we trust His heart, find rest in His presence, and rely on His promises.
And God promises us: “I will not leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
In our darkest hours, we discover this unwavering truth: Jesus understands, Jesus remains, and Jesus redeems.
Concluding thoughts
In this painful season, let’s hold tightly to Christ, our steadfast anchor. Evil may inflict suffering, but it cannot triumph. Although the pain can feel overwhelming, we have the assurance of resurrection through Jesus.
Until faith transforms into sight, we trust His heart, seek refuge in His presence, and firmly grasp His promises.
