What the enemy meant for evil...
...God IS turning it for good.
This month, we lost a true American hero. In just 31 years, Charlie Kirk accomplished more than many achieve in a lifetime, and his legacy is already being felt. On September 10th, as news of his assassination spread, the nation paused—stunned that such violence could occur on American soil. An evangelist, historian, political strategist, and future leader had been martyred.
Charlie stood for the truth of the Gospel as few do in our day, using the platform God gave him to proclaim that every person is more than their group identity, more than their sexual attractions, more than their race or economic status. He proclaimed that we are made in the image of God, have sinned and fallen short of His glory, and have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb (Romans 3:23-24).
While we do not believe God caused Charlie’s death, nor that it was His will, history reminds us that God specializes in turning evil into good. As Joseph declared to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). Similarly, God used the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7 to bring about the conversion of Saul—a man who approved of Stephen’s killing, yet went on to write nearly half of the New Testament.
“Never did the Church so much prosper and so truly thrive as when she was baptized in the blood of the martyrs.”
Charles Spurgeon
Good is already beginning to emerge. Recently, with just 3 days notice, nearly 2,000 Redding locals gathered at Shasta College for a prayer vigil in memory of Charlie Kirk, which quickly became a revival meeting. The atmosphere was filled with the peace of heaven as hearts cried out for our nation (Psalm 33:12).
In the same spirit, at the national memorial service in Arizona, 90,000 filled the stadium, with an additional 20,000 overflowing into a nearby arena and countless others gathering in surrounding parks.
Fox News reported over 22 million viewers tuned in throughout the service in the US alone—including more than 600,000 from left-leaning news sources. The conscience of our nation has been pricked in a way not seen since 9/11. But while the enemy seeks to divide us along political lines, something far greater is at work.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has noted a surge in church attendance across denominations, and demand for Christian literature is rising. The nation is awakening once again to its need for Christ (Acts 2:17-18). The truth that brings hope amid grief and uncertainty is this: God will use Charlie’s martyrdom for good (Romans 8:28).
What is happening in America and in the nations of the world is unprecedented. People are more open to God than ever before. It’s important for us to know the season we’re in so we can know how to respond in this moment. It’s time to talk to your neighbor, organize that prayer vigil and go on that mission trip.
“Christianity will last without America, but America will not last without Christianity”
Mario Murillo.
Charlie’s life was a model of courage, conviction, and Gospel-centered action. In life, he challenged a generation to speak the truth in love; in death, he is passing the baton to each of us. Now it is your turn to stand boldly wherever God has placed you. Your community needs you to proclaim the truth of the Gospel (Matthew 5:14-16), mentor and disciple young people, and pray fervently for leaders, neighbors, and our nation (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It needs you to engage in local outreach and ministry, bringing the light of Christ into every part of society.
Carry the torch Charlie lit, turning this moment of loss into a launchpad for courage, conviction, and Christ-centered living. Remember the promise of Romans 8:28: even in the midst of tragedy, God works all things for good for those who love Him. Rise, act, and let your life honor the legacy Charlie has left behind.
Today, God is calling each of us—preacher or not, young or old, timid or bold, single or married, male and female, every race, every denomination, everyone—to rise in courage, speak the truth of the Gospel, and shine the light of Christ in every corner of our nation.
Let us honor Charlie’s life and sacrifice by living boldly for Jesus, pursuing lives of purity and holiness, and taking a public stand for righteousness and truth.
In grief and expectancy,
The 1Hope4America Team
