A TIME TO DO BETTER – Thoughts from the Edges while following Jesus.

A Time to Do Better Is Before a Tragedy Happens

From the heart of Pastor Calvin Cook –
September 11, 2025

Scripture: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12 (NIV)

This morning, I have many thoughts. I am thinking about the tragedy of a life that was taken yesterday as a act of violence and hatred. I am thinking about those who have to resort to the kind of action and what brings a person to that point. I am thinking about this day, September 11, and what took place that silenced the world because of violence. How, when, and why do these life-changing events and history changing events take place and yet seem to happen over and over again.

We were living in Somerset County PA on September 11, 2001 near Shanksville PA. The morning was usual and routine, we were about our daily events. I was moving furniture from an auction house to our store for resale. There was really nothing unusual to me in those 8 and 9AM hours other than there was a feeling of desolation and no one else seemed to be out and moving around. I realized something must be happening as I saw rescue vehicles, government vehicles, heading towards Shanksville. Then a community shutting down, sheltering in place, suddenly a new normal like never before experienced, happens.

In the following hours and days, I watched as a community and a nation and a world for that matter, filled churches for prayer services, remembrance services. Signs “we remember”, “we will never forget”, began to appear, candlelight services began to happen, and people came back to what was important. But did it last?

There is a truth we often overlook: the time to change, to do better, to choose obedience and faithfulness, is before tragedy strikes—not after. Too often, we wait until everything falls apart to call on God, to mend relationships, or to make the changes we know deep down are needed. I have seen this countless times in my ministry when something devastating has happened in someone’s life, family, and community. I have a feeling that is the place we are once again in. As people look at this senseless death that occurred yesterday. There will once again be many proclamations and promises to do better, stop violence, avoid division, but will we actually do it. Or will we wait til the next tragedy and ask the question – “Where is God when all of this happens.”

But God’s Word reminds us that wisdom doesn’t wait for disaster. The prudent person sees the warning signs and takes action, while the simple ignore them and suffer for it. Waiting until the storm hits is too late to build the ark—Noah began building in the sunshine.

I recently wrote a blog post about business in small towns. In that post I stated, “the time to do something about the small businesses in communities that are closing is not after they have closed, it is now while they are still open.” The time to begin revitalization of our faith is not after something tragic, catastrophic or life altering has happened, it is now.

I am speaking to churches about revitalization, the same holds true in this situation, the time to revitalize a church is not after it has closed, but now, to become firmer in our faith and create authentic community centered on God.

Complacency in our faith life and relationship with God feels good and comfortable, but it is dangerous. It dulls our sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting and blinds us to the urgency of living in obedience now. Every day we delay repentance, forgiveness, or obedience is a day closer to crisis without the foundation of God’s strength under us.

I just want to ask you couple of questions, not to bring fear, but to bring consideration into your life.

What warning signs or promptings from God have I been ignoring?

Where is God calling me to make a change before things fall apart?

How can I cultivate daily habits that keep me close to God in both calm and crisis?

I mourn today over the events of September 11, 2001, I am praying for the comfort of the Kirk family, I am praying for and hopefully changing my attitude towards renewal, revitalization, relationship building, redemption, renewal, and new beginnings. But… I am still standing on my opening statement – “A Time to Do Better is Before a tragedy happens.”

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to walk wisely. Soften my heart to Your warnings and help me to respond while there is still time. Strengthen me to choose obedience today—not because tragedy looms, but because I love You and trust Your ways. May I be ready, standing firm in You, no matter what comes. Amen.