Responding to Tragedy with Hope and Faith
Dear Church Family,
As we process the images and videos of horrific violence that have flooded our screens this past week, particularly the tragic shooting at the university in Utah and the heartbreaking loss of Charlie Kirk, I want us to take a moment to reflect on how, as followers of Christ, we should respond to such profound evil. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that exists in our world, but more importantly, it calls us to rise above it in faith and hope.
Today, on the anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history, 9/11, we are reminded of our call to be long-suffering (James 1:2-4). Long-suffering is not merely enduring; it is spiritual endurance with an eternal perspective. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.” We hold on to this truth as we remember the promise in Malachi 4:2: “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.”
While our instinct may be to react in the flesh, we are called to respond in the spirit, leaning into prayer and intercession. Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." One person can put a thousand to flight, and together, our prayers can achieve even greater things (Deuteronomy 32:30).
As the priesthood of believers, we are called to set an example for others. John Owen wisely stated, "The difference between an unregenerate man and a Christian is not fewer troubles, but a firmer hope." In these trying times, we must maintain our faith in God’s ultimate control, enduring suffering with a hope that transcends our circumstances (Romans 15:13).
Our response must actively work to overcome evil with good, sharing a message of reconciliation and hope rather than succumbing to fear or despair. This entails fervent prayer, helping those who suffer, and speaking truth with gospel clarity. We should not be surprised by hardship; instead, we are to view it as a test to strengthen our faith, as taught by Jesus and the Apostles (1 Peter 4:12-13).
I invite you to join me in a prayer that has been weighing on my heart during these challenging days:
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Heavenly Father,
We come before you with our hearts open and our hands lifted high. We seek your strength to be made perfect in our weakness.
Lord, renew our spirits with your supernatural strength. Uphold and carry us through the trials we face. Remind us of the times you have delivered us in the past, and let your mighty hand steady us through every turbulence we encounter. Anchor us in the assurance that you are sovereign over every circumstance.
Even when we stumble, may your Spirit within us help us stand strong. As Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:8, we desire to lift holy hands in prayer everywhere, trusting in your unfailing grace and love.
Help us to react and act like Jesus in every circumstance, returning curse with blessing and fear with love. May we live as citizens of the light, embodying your truth and grace. As we are reminded in 1 Peter, we are a priesthood of believers, called to reflect your love and mercy in this world. Thank you for lifting the weary and empowering the powerless. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
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Let us stand together in faith, encouraging one another as we navigate these difficult times. May we be beacons of hope and love in our community.
Blessings,
Shane Ham
Senior Pastor
Northpointe Community Church