Do you remember what September 12 was like in 2001? It was a day of continued grief, disbelief, patriotism, and faith. The aftermath of September 11th caused people to question their mortality, their safety, and their faith. Church attendance increased by the hundreds as people tried to come to grip with what had happened. Sadly, some were looking for an easy answer, and they soon got discouraged and did not stay. But, we can all say that the patriotism and sense of community was at an all time high. We mourned together, and were humbled by the courage that was displayed in the midst of such a hateful act. What was meant to cut us to the core and devastate us, actually made us strong and more determined to fight for our freedom.
Where was God on September 11th? There are many stories of faith and courage from that day, but one of the stories that deeply touched my heart was the story of Todd Beamer. He was the man who, with the help of others, attacked the hijackers so that the plane he was on would not crash into a building. I read his wife's book many years ago. It is called "Let's Roll" by Lisa Beamer. It is a great book about her faith, and his. Lisa wrote this:
When I stepped off the bus at the crash site in Shanksville on September 17. I looked over at Todd's sister, Michele, and said, "He's not here." Nothing significant of Todd Beamer remained in that field in Pennsylvania. And yet he was more alive than ever at that very moment, enjoying a reality in heaven more incredible than anything we could hope to imagine on earth. He's in the presence of God himself! This heartfelt knowledge changed the devastation of that place into peace and, as difficult as it may be for some to believe, even joy.
Some people ask how a God could allow such pain and suffering. Here is an article I came across and could not find the author:
When thinking of September 11, we tend to forget the thousands of miracles that occurred on that day. Hundreds of people were able to flee the buildings just in the nick of time. A small handful of firemen and one civilian survived in a tiny space in a stairwell as the one of the towers collapsed around them. The passengers on Flight 93 defeating the terrorists was a miracle in and of itself. Yes, September 11 was a terrible day. Sin reared its ugly head and caused great devastation. However, God is still in control. His sovereignty is never to be doubted. Could God have prevented what happened on September 11? Of course He could, but He chose to allow the events to unfold exactly as they did. He prevented that day from being as bad as it could have been. Since September 11, how many lives have been changed for the better? How many people have placed their faith in Christ for salvation as a result of what happened? The words of Romans 8:28 should always be in our minds when we think of 9-11, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.”
I have no doubt that God was very close to us all on September 11, 2001, but the evil that happened on that day was not his doing. God allows all of His creation free choice, which is why we have hate in our world. We also have free choice as to whether we accept God and make Him a part of our daily life. A relationship with God's Son can easily be put off, but we never know when our last day will be. Wouldn't it be better to live with the assurance that is free to all who seek out the Lord?
I may be afraid of many things, but where I am going the moment I take my last breath on this earth is not one of them. You can have that assurance too!
God Bless,
Sandy
P.S. A MRI has shown that the pain in my shoulders and neck are not cancer related. Yeah! I will now start searching for a good massage therapist.
