Hope in the Midst of Horror 💔

24 years ago today...

America (and the entire world) woke up to horror and tragedy as we had never seen. Thousands of fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, parents, grandparents, children, friends, and community members were wiped out by a targeted attack on our country. Even though it has been nearly a quarter of a century, the memory of that generation-marking moment feels close today.

 

And now, our nation has once again awakened to horror and tragedy within a day of this horrendous anniversary. Regardless of one's political views, a child of God, created in His image, has been senselessly taken. A family must now face the rest of their lives without a husband and father. That kind of evil is heartbreaking. What makes it even worse is how often these kinds of tragedies occur, to the point that many of us grow numb.

 

Many of you are wondering: how should a Christian respond when horror and tragedy strike?

 

1. We find hope in Christ's promise of eternal life to all who trust in Him. Charlie Kirk was a strong Christian. The Bible assures us that those who trust in Christ step immediately into His presence after their last breath. 2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us that being away from the body is to be at home with the Lord. Today, Charlie woke up in the arms of Jesus. That hope anchors us in moments when the pain feels unbearable.

 

2. We mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 encourages believers to "mourn with those who mourn." We don't need to agree with someone to grieve alongside them. Jesus Himself wept. He felt. Moments like these are not about offering quick answers, political takes, or Christian clichés. It is a time to mourn.

 

3. We seek to live in harmony with one another. Right after Paul's call to mourn, Romans 12:16 says, "Live in harmony with one another." We know this is easier said than done. But I remember how our nation came together in the aftermath of September 11th. I pray that, even in deep disagreement, we might once again seek that kind of unity that lifts us above division.

 

4. We pray for God to take the evil and turn it for the advancement of the Gospel. After 9/11, churches across the nation were full. People flocked (even if a bit short-lived) to the one place they knew had answers: the Church of Jesus Christ. May God once again take this moment of grief and use it to draw hearts back to Himself in a powerful way.

 

5. We hit the gas pedal on personal evangelism. If you notice someone struggling, lean in. Listen. Hear. PRAY for/with them. Invite them to church. Share the story of what God has done in your life. Sometimes the simplest gesture of care becomes the open door for God to move in someone's heart.

 

We are already in the beginning of a documented return to things of faith. Churches are growing again. Faith is stirring. May the Holy Spirit use the pain of these recent days to once again draw men and women back to Christ as we have not seen in a generation.

 

We love you City Church friends. And if you're reading this and you don't go to City Church yet, consider this God's "nudge" that He's calling you to Himself. He's inviting you into a community where you can experience life-change, discover hope, belong, and find purpose in Him.

 

Pastor Kyle