Only By The Grace of Almighty God
Seven days ago today (July 13, 2024), our nation witnessed a tragedy and a miracle, as President Donald Trump was giving a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania. Tens of thousands of people onsite and millions by television and internet watched in disbelief and horror as shots rang out, President Trump grabbed his head, then dropped to the ground.
Within seconds, a miracle was apparent. President Trump stood back up with the protection of the Secret Service, and let the crowd know he was okay.
Tragically, retired firefighter, Corey Comperatore, died from an assassin’s bullet. Heroically, he died protecting his family immediately as he heard the shots. We pray for God’s comfort to be with his wife and daughters, who now face life without their beloved husband and father.
As details continue to emerge about the horrific attempt on President Trump’s life, I’ve found myself somewhat consumed with understanding this historic event more.
Two things have reminded me to keep a right perspective in light of the events of this past week.
First, President Trump made a deeply sincere statement about his experience on Thursday night. While giving a speech to accept his party’s nomination, he declared,
“I’m not supposed to be here tonight. Not supposed to be here.”
[The crowd began to chant, “Yes you are.”]
“Thank you. But I’m not. And I’ll tell you. I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God.”
His close brush with death by a turn of his head and a few millimeters is truly a miracle. Yes, “only by the grace of Almighty God,” does he have the opportunity to continue to discover the purpose of his life and remaining time on earth. We should pray that President Trump will understand more what living “by the Grace of Almighty God” means. And we should seek the same understanding for ourselves.
Secondly, I am reminded of Psalm 90:12
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
No matter our status in life, we have no idea how many more days we have on this earth. This verse reminds us to ask God to teach us to make the most of what we have so we can wisely use every day for His glory.
Paul expands upon this thought in Ephesians 5:15-17
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Yes, the days are evil, as we witnessed last week, and as we witness the world around us every day. Yet, we still can make the best use of the time that we are given on this earth. So, let’s seek to understand what the will of the Lord is for each one of our lives.
In America’s politically and socially divided culture, where hate and violence becomes more pervasive every day, followers of Jesus have a tremendous opportunity to shine bright as united and loving peacemakers. Instead of getting caught up in freaking out with the rest of the world, may God grant us wisdom to genuinely live as though every moment matters for eternity. Because every moment does.
May God help you thrive as you seek His will to live your life with complete devotion to Him, and may God use the events of this past week as a catalyst to turn many hearts in our nation and the world towards Him.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Keith
You can watch or listen to the statement I made on Sunday morning after the event here >