After actor and comedian Billy Crystal publicly revealed that he no longer trusts God following two devastating personal tragedies, evangelist Franklin Graham is speaking out with a powerful message about faith, salvation and the hope found in Jesus Christ.
As Charisma previously reported, Crystal made the heartbreaking admission during an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” reflecting on the destruction of his family’s Pacific Palisades home in the 2025 California wildfires and the tragic death of his longtime friend, filmmaker Rob Reiner.
When asked whether he still speaks to God, Crystal responded, “No, ’cause I don’t trust Him.”
“Too many bad things have happened,” Crystal said. “The earth is in bad shape. This is a weird, scary time.”
Now, Graham responds directly to Crystal’s comments, reminding the actor that God remains faithful even in life’s darkest moments.
In an Oct. 23 post on X, Graham acknowledged the pain and suffering that everyone eventually encounters.
“Everyone has bad things happen in life, and everyone experiences loss and disappointment. But I trust God,” Graham wrote.
Rather than focusing on the tragedies themselves, Graham pointed Crystal toward what he believes is the greatest demonstration of God’s love: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“He has done everything to keep me out of Hell, by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to save me—and to save Billy Crystal,” Graham continued.
The evangelist also used the moment to deliver an urgent reminder about eternity.
“The Bible says we all have an appointment with death and then the judgment—and the decisions we make now will determine where we spend eternity,” Graham wrote.
Graham’s message was not directed only at Crystal, but at anyone struggling to trust God amid life’s pain and uncertainty.
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“God is real, He is trustworthy and true. He loves us,” Graham declared.
Graham concluded with a personal appeal for Crystal and others to place their faith in Jesus Christ.
“My advice to Billy Crystal and everyone else is to trust God with your life,” he wrote.
Crystal’s painful experiences raise questions that countless people have wrestled with throughout history: Where is God in suffering? How can someone continue trusting Him when life seems to fall apart?
For Graham, the answer ultimately comes back to Jesus Christ.
While suffering and tragedy are unavoidable realities of this fallen world, the Christian message is that neither has the final word. Through Christ’s resurrection, believers are promised eternal life.
As Crystal continues processing these tremendous losses, his public struggle with faith is also an opportunity for Christians to pray that he would discover the peace, healing and hope that Graham is encouraging him to find in Jesus Christ.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
