WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP THIS, GOD?

Like many this morning, I'm in utter shock at the assassination of Charlie Kirk yesterday. Such a brilliant mind, capable leader, confident Christian and competent apologist!  Clearly he was already a major influencer through his Turning Point USA organization! This husband and father of two's voice was going to be heard and his impact was sure to make a difference - until yesterday afternoon.

Interestingly, yesterday I wrote a Facebook post titled: "Can Good Come Out of Bad?" And yet this morning I find myself asking God: "Why didn't You stop this?" 

I doubt that I'm alone in the query.

As a pastor, I've spent an adult lifetime answering questions about God and His action or inaction.  I've studied the Bible for answers and been trained by my counseling degree how to guide people in the throes of pain and loss. But this morning, I feel the pain of the loss of a good, good man in the prime of his life who was clearly destined for a great role in our country. His senseless death leaves me sad, angry, and feeling hopeless. The condition of our country feels irreparable!

Over the years, I have prayed regularly that the Lord would help me to never be responsible for taking the life of another person. I have also prayed this prayer over my wife and children!  

Obviously, I've known people who have faced this peril. I've prayed with them and ministered to them. Some were veterans who carried horrible burdens in their memory-banks. Early in my  ministry I made a friend of a younger man who had an accident with a friend in his car who was killed on impact. This young man's life was indelibly affected! I'm thankful that there is grace for situations like this, and I have always been comforted to be able to extend that grace on God's behalf!

However, we now have people filled with anger and mental instability who are eager to act out their violence by taking the life of another because of disagreements or differing opinions! How did our world become so evil and hateful? It certainly didn't happen overnight!

I feel paralyzed by Charlie's death! I can't get motivated to move on with my day. Discouragement and disillusionment hover over me! I need to think. I need to pray. I need God's gracious restoration. I desire to hope again.

American culture is disintegrating. Riding metros and light rails is no longer a safe activity. Remarkably, cities resist the help of the federal government's resources to restore peace in their streets - all because of political alliances. The recent murder of a young woman on a light rail was witnessed by many others who failed to assist her against her attacker and then walked around her lifeless body to exit the train!  

And in the midst of these horrific reports the church continues to divide itself and shrink its influence on our culture. The population has lost confidence in the church as an arbitrator for justice and equity!  Although vibrant and effective churches remain, the church is shrinking in size as well as influence! The denomination I've served in my entire life has shrunk by 34% over the last twenty years!

The facts are real and we all know them! But what about the question raised above: "Why didn't God stop this senseless death?

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There are just a few things that I'm certain of.

ONE is that God is also mourning with us today!

I refuse to believe that Charlie's death was God's plan or desire! God gives life! Life is sacred to God! 

SECOND is the assurance we can have that God will - in some way - bring good out of this horrible act of violence! It may take time for us to see it. Now is a time for shock, grieving and sorrow; but in time, we may be able to see evidence of God using it for good!

THIRD is the reminder that this world is just the warm-up or testing ground for an ultimate world where justice, peace, and a common love for God and one another will reign for all eternity - unhindered by violence or fear!

[I have a strong expectation that Charlie Kirk is there.]

FOURTH, God's interventions in this world are rare and beyond our understanding. We pray regularly for Him to intervene. When He does, we express our gratitude with thanksgiving. However, His sovereignty is beyond our scope of understanding and His purposes beyond our knowledge or expectations. Our walk is a walk of trust in Him!