Finding Hope and Purpose in Tragedy and Forgiveness

Sep 26, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Boldness in Sharing the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

God calls every believer to boldly share the truth of the gospel, regardless of their platform or status. The impact of one life lived in alignment with Christ can ripple out to millions, as seen when the largest broadcast of the gospel in history followed a tragedy, fulfilling the call to make Christ known to all nations. Even in times of darkness, God uses bold acts of faith and forgiveness to draw people to Himself, and each of us is invited to participate in this mission by stepping out in faith and speaking truth with love and courage. [20:02]

Matthew 24:14 (ESV)
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Reflection: Who in your life today needs to hear the truth of the gospel from you, and what bold step can you take to share Christ’s love with them?

Day 2: Forgiveness and Trusting God’s Justice

True forgiveness is a radical act that reflects the heart of Christ, even in the face of deep pain and injustice. When we forgive those who have wronged us, we release resentment and entrust justice to God and the authorities He has established, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to Him. This posture of forgiveness not only brings healing to our own hearts but also becomes a powerful testimony to others, showing the world a different way—the way of Christ. [32:29]

Romans 12:19 (ESV)
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, and how can you release your desire for justice into God’s hands?

Day 3: Responding to God’s Call with Obedience

God calls each of us uniquely, whether to a visible role like Isaiah or a quiet, faithful task like Ananias. What matters is not the size of the assignment but our willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord,” and to obey without delay. Even if our actions seem small or go unnoticed by others, God uses our obedience to accomplish His greater purposes, and our faithfulness is recorded in His book. [41:45]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Reflection: What is one area where God is prompting you to step out in obedience, and how can you respond with a willing heart today?

Day 4: The Power and Priority of Prayer

Prayer is not a last resort but the most powerful and primary action a believer can take. Through prayer, we access God’s power, receive His guidance, and see Him move in ways beyond our own strength. In a world that often dismisses or misunderstands prayer, believers are called to approach God boldly, knowing that He hears and answers, and that prayer is the foundation for every spiritual victory and transformation. [01:04:16]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What burden or situation do you need to bring to God in prayer first today, trusting Him to move?

Day 5: Living Out Your God-Given Identity and Assignment

Each person is created with a unique purpose and is called to impact their environment for Christ, whether in the home, workplace, or community. True identity is found in knowing whose you are and aligning your life with God’s will, seeking to glorify Christ rather than yourself. When you live out your assignment with humility and servitude, your “dash”—the impact of your life—will point others to Jesus and fulfill the calling God has placed on you. [01:08:16]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: Where has God placed you right now, and how can you intentionally influence that environment for His glory today?

Sermon Summary

In the midst of tragedy and spiritual warfare, God’s timing and sovereignty remain unshaken. As we reflect on the recent loss of Charlie Kirk, we see not just the pain of a life cut short, but the profound spiritual impact that his life and death have had on countless people. God often uses moments of darkness to shine His light even brighter, calling His people to rise up with boldness, love, and truth. The enemy may intend harm, but God turns it for good, equipping and empowering believers to stand firm and influence the world around them.

Charlie’s journey, from being known primarily for his political activism to leading with faith, is a testament to the transformative power of Christ. His life modeled the importance of open dialogue, finding common ground, and seeing others as God’s creation, even amidst disagreement. This is a call for all of us to engage with humility, grace, and courage, refusing to let fear or anger dictate our responses. The world is desperate for authentic truth and love, and it is our responsibility to carry that into every sphere we touch.

Forgiveness, as demonstrated by Erica in the wake of Charlie’s death, is not a sign of weakness but of Christlike strength. To forgive those who have wronged us, even in the most grievous ways, is to reflect the heart of Jesus. This kind of radical forgiveness opens doors for healing, both personally and for those watching from the outside. It challenges the culture of vengeance and invites others to explore the truth of the gospel.

We are reminded that every believer, regardless of platform or recognition, is called to make an impact. Whether you are known like Isaiah or Ananias—whose obedience changed the course of history but whose name is rarely remembered—God has a unique assignment for each of us. Our influence begins in our homes, workplaces, and communities, and it is our faithfulness in the small things that often leads to the greatest kingdom impact.

Ultimately, our identity and purpose are found in Christ. We are called to align ourselves with His will, to know Him deeply, and to boldly declare His truth in a world that desperately needs it. Our “dash”—the impact we make between birth and death—matters. Let us seek to be remembered not for our own glory, but for how we pointed others to Jesus and lived out His love and truth in every season.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Sovereignty in Tragedy Even in moments of loss and spiritual attack, God’s timing and purposes are perfect. What the enemy intends for harm, God uses to awaken and equip His people, calling us to rise up with boldness and faith. Our response to adversity can become a catalyst for revival and deeper unity among believers. [20:02]
2. The Power of Forgiveness and Christlike Response Forgiveness is not a passive act but a powerful declaration of faith. When we choose to forgive, especially in the face of injustice or pain, we mirror the heart of Christ and open the door for healing and transformation. This radical grace often speaks louder than any argument or defense, drawing others to the truth of the gospel. [32:29]
3. Influence Begins with Obedience, Not Platform God calls each of us to impact the world around us, regardless of our visibility or status. Like Ananias, whose simple obedience changed the course of history, our faithfulness in the small, unseen moments can have eternal significance. The measure of our impact is not in recognition, but in our willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” [41:45]
4. The Necessity of Knowing and Living the Word To discern God’s will and walk in our calling, we must be rooted in Scripture and prayer. The Holy Spirit equips us uniquely for the assignments God has prepared, but we must be intentional in seeking Him and knowing His Word. Our worldview and actions must be shaped by biblical truth, not by the shifting tides of culture. [64:16]
5. Humility, Servitude, and the Power of Love True greatness in the kingdom is marked by humility and a servant’s heart. Asking, “How can I love and serve better?” reflects the heart of Christ and transforms relationships. Our legacy—the “dash” between our birth and death—will be defined by how we loved, served, and pointed others to Jesus, not by our own achievements. [32:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Alaska Trip and Unexpected News
[03:45] - Early Encounters with Charlie Kirk and Turning Point
[07:30] - The Spiritual Battle Behind the Headlines
[11:55] - The Power of Conversation and Common Ground
[15:40] - Turning Point’s Shift from Politics to Faith
[20:02] - The Impact of Tragedy and the Gospel Broadcast
[24:30] - Forgiveness in the Face of Loss
[28:15] - Erica’s Response and the Heart of Christ
[32:29] - Humility, Servitude, and Marital Love
[36:10] - Responding to Anger and Righteous Justice
[41:45] - The Power and Priority of Prayer
[47:00] - Influence in Everyday Life
[52:20] - Addressing Accusations and the Importance of Dialogue
[57:40] - Identity, Alignment, and Assignment
[64:16] - The Dash: Our Legacy and Impact
[68:16] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[72:25] - Resources, Community, and Final Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “God’s Sovereignty, Forgiveness, and Our Dash”

Bible Reading

Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

> As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Matthew 24:14 (ESV)

> And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Acts 9:10-17 (ESV)

> Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” ... (Read through verse 17 for the full story of Ananias’s obedience.)

Observation Questions

In Genesis 50:20, what does Joseph say about the intentions of others versus God’s intentions?
According to the sermon, how did Erica respond to Charlie’s death, and what did her response demonstrate to others? [[32:29]]
In Acts 9, what was Ananias’s initial reaction when God called him, and what did he do next?
What shift did the speaker notice in Turning Point USA’s focus over the years, and why was this significant? [[20:02]]

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 help us understand God’s sovereignty in the midst of tragedy?
The sermon compares Erica’s forgiveness to Jesus’ words on the cross and Stephen’s in Acts. Why is this kind of forgiveness so powerful, especially in public tragedy? [[32:29]]
What does Ananias’s story in Acts 9 teach us about the importance of obedience, even when our assignment seems small or risky?
The speaker mentioned that “our dash”—the time between birth and death—matters. What does it mean to make your “dash” count for God’s kingdom? [[01:04:16]]

Application Questions

Think about a recent hardship or loss in your life. How might God be working through it for good, even if you can’t see it yet? [[20:02]]
Erica chose to forgive the person responsible for Charlie’s death. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, even if it feels impossible? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week? [[32:29]]
The sermon talked about the power of open dialogue and finding common ground, even with those we disagree with. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to pursue understanding instead of winning an argument? What’s one practical step you can take? [[15:40]]
Ananias obeyed God’s call, even though he wasn’t famous or well-known. Where might God be calling you to simple obedience in your everyday life—at home, work, or in your community? [[41:45]]
The speaker challenged us to ask, “How can I love and serve better?” Who is one person you can intentionally serve or encourage this week, and how will you do it? [[32:29]]
The sermon emphasized being rooted in Scripture and prayer to know God’s will. What is one way you can be more intentional about reading the Bible or praying this week? [[41:45]]
When you think about your “dash,” what do you want to be remembered for? What is one change you can make now to align your life more closely with pointing others to Jesus? [[01:04:16]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite someone to pray, asking God to help the group trust His timing, forgive like Christ, obey in the small things, and make their “dash” count for His kingdom.

Sermon Clips

“God's timing is always on time. We don't understand it, but God's got this thing already mapped out. It hit me for a lot, you know, I had, to be honest with you, I never cried over a loss of anybody else in my life and this might sound cold. I haven't, I've been blessed, I haven't lost a lot of family members or friends, small tier, but I honestly was impacted more from that understanding the spiritualness of what we're facing and where we're heading into, than ever before.”

“When we cannot have a conversation at all then the relationship cannot get better. If we do not have relationships with our spouse, with our friends, with our father, as we're called to be in a relationship with Christ our creator, we can't grow that relationship. So that's what they want is they don't want us to come together, they don't want us to realize that hey, we might not agree on everything but we have common ground.”

“By trying to assassinate and take Charlie Kirk out he thought he was going to have people run and hide but the opposite happened. The devil overplayed his cards and right now there's such an equipping and a calling on people to rise up and to stand up and to be bold like never before and that's how the spirit of God works and that's what this is.”

“John the Baptist paved the way for the coming Messiah. I do believe and I feel it in my core that we are coming to that point. No man knows the season and times, but we were coming to that point. And it does say in the scripture, Matthew 24, verse 14, that when everybody has heard the true gospel.”

“Think about that memorial service that was the largest broadcast of the gospel in history in history. How much more if we're on a timeline how much further of a jump did we just make from that happening? How many millions of people heard the gospel that never heard it before?”

“To get up there and say I forgive him, I mean, I think if we're honest with ourselves we, I don't know if we could do that, right? That's a, we'd have to have been in that experience and walk through that. But to say if we could honestly do it, that's a difficult thing to say and do if we're honest with ourselves and that heart, you're right, the heart of Christ.”

“When you start being open to explore truth you recognize truth. You know the saying real recognize real, truth knows truth. Yeah, and it's just how it is. I love that the shift is happening... I really feel in my spirit that we are called as believers to share truth, to share love, to show grace but to lead with boldness so people understand what real truth is.”

“Her faith is so strong there's no doubt that this is her Esther moment that she was born and this is the time for that 100. Her heart is in the right place, it's going to lead a lot of people... From a biblical stance she wants to stay clean, she forgave, she doesn't want to hold any resentment, she doesn't want to aim for something but she's just like when Jesus says give to Caesar what is Caesar she says give to the government what the government.”

“We can forgive in our spirit and let the government handle justice because that's what the government's job is because justice will be paid. You know, at the end time we all, God is a righteous judge, he will be just to all of us. And I will say this, this person who's lost, who's demonic, right, can God still reach his soul? 100.”

“There is a righteous anger that we should have, even Jesus had anger towards his disciples at times, you know, not to mention the flipping over the tables, but there was a time for that. But also don't let that overpower you to know that you can't forgive somebody and what do you need to speak into this time as healing for yourself and for others.”

“When she said what Charlie would say to her every day, how can I love you better, how can I serve you better, love that and that really convicted me because you know I love my wife, I do everything I possibly can but how often do I ask her what is, how does she want me to love her better? Because as men we think we know, right, we think we know everything, let's be honest, right? But that humility of that servitude is really the heart of Charlie Kirk, right, and I think that that is the heart of Christ and that's what we should all seek to improve and get better at.”

“Sometimes saying nothing is exactly what we need to say. And I do believe that we need to be, you know, slow to anger, slow to speak. You know, we need we need to pause a second before we just lash out and make sure that we're responding in the right way. Because when you get online, and you're just start going back and forth, and you're you're doing it out of hostility or anger, where's that going to go? Are you going to win that person over?”

“We need to go on offense, right? And by going on offense, that means we're in charge, because we are the head, not the tail. That's how we're created. So in sort of just going from an attack, we need to think smart here. And so how can I flip this? So I'm in control where Christ is in control. And I'm speaking from truth.”

“If you've never had the opportunity to dive into the word, that's where the Holy Spirit's going to speak to you. And God is going to speak and equip each person the way that you are designed with the talents that he has already placed inside of you, the gifts he's already given you. He wants to use you for such a time as this.”

“If you don't know the word of God, if you don't know God, how can you do what he's called you to do? And he's calling on you. He's calling on all of us, but we have to tune in. We have to tap in.”

“Prayer, responding in prayer, that is the most powerful thing that us believers can do. And it's not like prayer to me has been misconstrued from a lot of people. It's like you're praying from a lack of weakness. And that's the opposite. It's like the last thing you have to do is pray. All we have left to do is pray. No, that's the first thing we do, because that's the most powerful thing that we have, because that's where God moves and acts.”

“God wants to use you in such a mighty way but you have to listen to him, you have to know his word so he can use you to impact whatever environment he's going to lead you and once you start impacting that environment maybe it's your household right maybe it's your school group maybe it's on the bus ride maybe it's your little you're at work maybe you're a bad boy in a grocery store and that cashier next to you doesn't think that way and your actions not just your words your actions and how you respond and how you handle things is what's going to influence and people are going to say that guy's different what is it about that guy.”

“Identity is once we know whose we are, we know who we are and why we're created, then we can make that impact, and that's what he is calling all of us to do. Know who we are, know him, seek him, make a difference for him.”

“It's how we respond in this repeating is that impact. That's what's going to be made. What's leading us, right? Is it Christ? Are we trying to draw closer to him for his kingdom, for his glory? Or are we seeking after our own fleshly desires? That's an identity check that we all need to have in everything that we do.”

“God has everything designed in a perfect order. But we have to find our place in that order, that alignment with him, so we can carry out that assignment. So my first thing would be make sure you're in alignment with him. If you don't know who he is, seek him out. Once you do know him, find out what that assignment is, that alignment. Make sure you're in alignment with his will and glory. And then what's your assignment? What are you called to do?”

“What's our dash going to be, right? Because at the end of the day, 100 years from now, 50 years from now, everybody's going to see the day we were born and the day we passed away. You see the billboards going, Charlie, 93, 2025, right? But that dash, his impact, people know. What's our dash going to be? What are people going to know in your environment, wherever God leads you? What did you stand for? Who are you? And did you answer the call? That's really what I think we all need to honestly look at ourselves in the mirror, cry out to God about, and to move forward.”

“There's a servitude and the humility that when we realize it's not about us rising to the top, but about glorifying Christ, that's where we're in alignment. And that's what I think we need to be.”

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