what's next?

 I'm sure you see it--God reassuring us that He always keeps His promises. In this case, in the murder of Charlie Kirk, we see God working as He did in the life of Joseph: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." (Genesis 50:20) The physical outcome for Charlie was different from what Joseph experienced, but the promise holds true. What man meant for evil, God is using for good. Through that horrific death, God is drawing people across the world to Himself. I've heard estimates that 100 million people watched the memorial service. And while I don't agree with everything that was said, I am incredibly thankful that so many people heard the gospel preached without shame.

We're being told that we're at a turning point (and that's another place I can see the hand of God in this story, in the simple choice of a name for an organization that has become so much more). My hope and prayer is that that is true.

I pray that we, as followers of Christ, will not squander this opportunity. There are so many people desperate for truth. We can see it in the number of people who decided to go to church after seeing the memorial service. There are so many testimonies from people who were blown away by the love of God they saw on display. They tuned in, expecting to see people facing the bleak reality of death, and instead saw people expressing joy at the hope of eternal life.

We are told in 1 Peter 3:15-16 "Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame." There is no better recent example of living out these verses than Charlie Kirk. He wasn't perfect; none of us are. But despite the unrelenting attempt of so many to smear his legacy, none of their accusations hold water.

I'm not called to a national stage. I'm not standing in front of thousands, preaching the gospel or debating current issues and events. I'm guessing you don't have an audience of thousands, either. I am, however, called to live a life that makes others ask what it is that makes my life different. You are called to that same thing. That doesn't mean that people will like the answer. In fact, when you answer that Jesus is the reason for your hope, it may make some people mad. So what do you do then?

That's when the second part of that command comes into play: live in such a way that when someone goes around saying bad things about you, there's nothing to back it up. If we strive every day to, "Live a life that is worthy of the calling He has graciously extended to you." (Ephesians 4:1b)

That's not something I succeed at every day. But the wonderful thing is, we serve a God who loves and forgives. He understands our failings, and He offers His strength when we are weak. I'm incredibly thankful that His grace extends to even me.