Daily Devotional

The events of the last few weeks have been nothing short of tribulation not only in our nation, but even in our church. Yesterday I watched some of the Charlie Kirk memorial service held in Glendale, AZ. Everybody who came to the mic talked about Charlie Kirk’s commitment to Jesus Christ, and his commitment to open dialogue about the current beliefs of people in our nation today, focusing mostly on college students. And wherever possible Charlie brought his answer back to God’s Word. In this service yesterday, the gospel was presented countless times. And the name of Jesus Christ was lifted up in the Word of God, in prayer, and in worship. But I have to say the climax of the service came when Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, made a statement about her husband’s killer. She said, “I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did.”

In our church we have had tribulation, numerous deaths over a short period of time, of both young and old. Well-loved individuals by many in our church. And it has not been easy.

The verse that comes to mind during times of tribulation are Jesus' words in…

John 16:33 - “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

In this verse Jesus promises His followers that even in times of tribulation, they can take heart knowing that He has already overcome the world. In the midst of these circumstances Jesus will provide peace that passes understanding. Jesus provides you and I with ultimate victory over sin and death. When Jesus triumphed over sin at the cross, we triumphed over sin with Him. When Jesus triumphed over death at the resurrection, we triumphed over death with Him. True peace is found not in the absence of tribulation, but through His presence as He walks with us through it.

Here are five things to think about…

1. Tribulation will come

• Jesus never says Christians will live our lives free of pain and tribulation.
• But He does promise to give us the strength to navigate the tribulations of life.
• And He promises to give us peace in the midst of them.

2. Cling to Jesus Christ’s victory

• Jesus says “I have overcome the world.” Every time I read that I feel victorious.
• He has already won. He defeated Satan, sin, and death. We have nothing to fear.

3. Seek true peace in Jesus Christ

• When tribulation comes, turn to Christ in prayer, turn to the Truth of His Word.
• Cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ, memorizing Scripture, growing in Him.
• Don’t turn to alcohol or drugs, or other ways to ‘medicate’ the tribulation of life.
• And in the midst of tribulation is where we feel Christ’s peace in a profound way.

4. Be courageous in Jesus Christ

• Your tribulation did not catch God by surprise. He is sovereign over it all.
• Jesus has already won the battle. So live in that victory in both good and bad times.

5. Be a witness for Christ

• Our witness for Christ is most powerful when we are going through tribulation.
• People at work, school, in your family and neighborhoods are watching you.
• They want to see what kind of difference Jesus Christ makes in your life during trouble.

During Charlie’s service, I never expected Erika Kirk to forgive her husband’s killer, but she did. That forgiveness can come only from the power of Jesus Christ within her. And in that moment, the light of Christ shone brighter than ever because to a non-Christian, that makes no sense. People in our church who have lost loved ones recently. The strength God has provided in the midst of tribulation has been a strong testimony of the peace of Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray for our nation. Let’s pray God uses the events of September 10th, 2025, Charlie’s assassination, for His good and the furtherance of His gospel not only to our nation, but to the entire world.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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