Trusting in God's Providence: A Pastor’s Reflections on the Attempted Assassination of President Trump

The recent assassination attempt on President Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has left many in shock. An innocent bystander was critically wounded, another lost their life, and the alleged shooter was also killed. As we grapple with this troubling event (and the volatile atmosphere leading up to it), it's normal to seek answers in the realm of the natural—but understand what is happening lies in the supernatural. Thus, those without a clear understanding of God and His living word as spoken in the Bible will be at a loss in understanding what is actually at play here. You see, it's not in seeking answers or searching for evidence, it is focusing on the unwavering truth of God's providence.

The Bible assures us that God's sovereign hand is at work in every situation, both good and evil. Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will" (Matthew 10:29). If a sparrow cannot fall apart from God’s will, nor can a nation or a person. You see, this verse reminds us that nothing happens outside of God's knowledge or control. Even the seemingly random fall of a sparrow is within His purview, and so too are the events that unfold in our lives and in our nation. More aptly seen in real time on live TV in the difference between a bullet whisking by an ear or penetrating a head.

The attempted assassination of President Trump is a very real reminder of this present darkness and how even evil and darkness cannot circumvent God’s providence. God’s will always prevails regardless of any evil intentions. Throughout history, God's providence has been evident in both the triumphs and the tribulations of His people. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, only to rise to power in Egypt and save many lives. In the natural world—a rise from the prison to the palace doesn’t happen. But in the supernatural there is nothing humanly possible to stop it. Similarly, the early church faced severe persecution, yet the gospel spread far and wide. God’s providence.

In our current context, we must believe that God's plan is unfolding, even when it seems obscured by darkness. Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." God can bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances.

As we continue to pray for our nation, for President Trump, and for those affected by this violent act, let us also pray for a deeper trust in God's sovereign control. May we find peace in knowing that He is at work, accomplishing His will through all things, and may we rest in the assurance that His plans are perfect and His purposes are just.

Amid uncertainty, let us choose faith over fear, trusting that God holds all things in His hands. So let us not ask "why" certain things happen,but rather, let us trust that God has a great plan running through everything that's happening.

[Postscript] May the bullet that grazed the former president's ear be used by God to open the former president's ear. May DJT humble himself, like Nebuchadnezzar, and see that the Lord's "dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel 4:34-35). May this event lead him to repentance, declaring Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.