Between An Assassin's Bullet & the Church Bulletin
A would-be-assassin’s bullet grazed former President Trump over the weekend. A millimeter of adjustment in the shot or a slight turn of Trump’s head would have dramatically impacted our lives today.
Saturday’s historic events confront us with the reality of faith in a world where chaos and wickedness are often easier to identify than God’s sovereignty.
Some believers make superstitious and sensational claims about Saturday’s events. Others respond in a way that seems to neuter God’s involvement in real life.
How can we faithfully interpret these events and navigate our lives?
I’d like to remind us of 5 realities that can guide us in faithfulness in a volatile world:
1. Be confident God is working out His purpose and His purpose will be accomplished.
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” Isaiah 46:9–10
No matter how shocking a day’s events may be, you can be confident that God’s purpose is being accomplished.
2. Be humble in estimating any person or nation’s role in God’s purpose.
“Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.” Isaiah 40:15
“[God] changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21
God is the only One in the center stage of history.
3. Be diligent to steward your part in this moment toward eternal reward.
"His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’" Matthew 25:21
God regularly calls believers to an active, responsible role in unfolding His plan with the promise of sharing in His reward.
4. Be faithful to continue relying on and looking to the Lord.
Asa was a king who faithfully removed false alters and smashed demonic worship (cf. 2 Chronicles 14:2–7). However, in the 36th year of his reign, Asa made an alliance instead of trusting the Lord.
“Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 8 Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:7–9
Don’t stop betting on God!
5. Be hopeful in the fact that God’s plan works for the good of His children.
“28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:28, 31–32.
I trust these truths will provide clarity to navigate your day in God’s world. I know this does not resolve the tension… the tension is your springboard to prayer!
Prayer is your path between the poles of God’s sovereignty and your responsibility. Talk to God about the chaos and rely on His strength and guidance to continue in faithfulness.
God is in the grand events of history–the front page– and He’s working right in front of your face!
When we are confronted with the stark moments of history, let’s commit afresh to prayerfully embrace our responsibilities to our families, the mission of the church, and the value of your work today!
"There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign overall, does not cry: 'Mine!'" Abraham Kuyper