My girls are very curious about 9/11 this year so we got out my Tribute Book and flipped through the pages and talked about that horrible day in 2001. There are so many stories of faith and courage from that day, and 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 am thankful that I serve a compassionate and sovereign God who is always there in our darkest days.
God Bless,
Sandy
