darlene@christianmagazine.org

 

Matthew 16:18, "…Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

September 11^th, 2001 was a day in which we will never forget. A day, that certainly will be written down as one of the most tragic days in American History. A day, that shook the faith of many Christians around the globe. Our hearts ached and our minds were filled with anxiety as we sat and watched the whole drama unfold before our very eyes on national television. Wondering what was going to happen next those of us that could, stayed glued to the set.

How could this happen to America? What kind of attack are we under? What is going to happen to my family? When will we hear the all-clear signal? Will there ever be an all-clear signal?

As these questions were racing through my mind I cried and prayed. I prayed that those who perished in the rubble were saved. And I prayed for those who were still combing the streets in search of their "loved ones" with undying faith that somehow they would be found alive.

I prayed for the many rescuers that were working under extremely dangerous conditions to help others. As I cried and prayed for everyone and everything I was wondering, could this have been prevented? For many days my tears brought no comfort only grief.

Immediately after the attack occurred many began asking questions such as, "Why did God allow this dreadful thing to happen? Why didn’t He stop it?" I will not pretend I personally understand the horrible events that occurred on September 11^th, 2001. I am not sure any of us will ever be able to. However, after mediating on the situation, I am certain that God is still on His Throne. That Jesus is setting at His Right Hand and "No, the gates of hell shall not prevail."

The United States of America will emerge out of this rubble in victory. Somehow God will comfort the hearts of those that lost loved ones and they will stand strong in the power of His might. We will win with God’s help! We must NOT allow Satan to destroy our faith in God.

When someone we know and love is accused of doing something wrong the first thing we say is, "No, that can not be true. I know him or her and they are not capable of committing such an act." Well I know my Father and He didn’t have anything to do with that horrendous attack on the WTC and the Pentagon. He is innocent!

I know many are saying that He has brought judgment to America, but the simple fact is this, God had nothing to do with the attack. If you believe the Bible, and you must if you are a Christian, you will adhere to what it says. So here is proof, taken right from the "Word of God".

1. All of the events surrounding the attack that occurred on September 11^th 2001 caused chaos and confusion.

It is a fact God is not the author of confusion.

2. The events surrounding the attack produced fear in the hearts of many Americans.

Biblical Fact:

It is a fact God does not bring fear.

3. Thousands of people were killed in the attack.

It is a fact God does not kill. He sent His Son to give us life and life more abundantly. It is the devil who kills.

John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

4. The events surrounding the attack brought tears of grief instead of tears of joy.

It is a fact God’s Spirit produces joy, not grief.

"But what about Hebrews 10:30? The Lord shall judge His people." If you look at your Bible reference column you will discover that scripture originated from Duet. 32:36. God doesn’t judge His people in the same manner as in Old Testament days. We are now living under "New Testament Grace" because of the finished work done at Calvary. (Ephesians 2:8). However, if God were actually bringing judgment to His people we would be the first to know? And, since no one was warned and every one was surprised, I am convinced, and you can quote me as saying, "God had nothing to do with it."

There were saved people and unsaved people in the WTC when it collapsed. So to say God was judging His people would be an inaccurate statement. Do you understand what I am saying?

Under the old covenant when God did judge His people He never outright killed any of them. God is a good God and does NOT have the characteristics of a killer. Guess who does?

If you want to point your finger at the true culprit that took out the WTC and damaged the Pentagon killing all those aboard the hijacked airplanes then point your finger at the devil. He is the killer. Although I don’t like giving him any credit for anything he does, the guilty one is satan.

Using a phrase I picked up from the media, we should stay on "heightened alert". They were referring to our military but I am referring to our spiritual lives. The devil will hunt down and try to destroy anything he can, but we have power over him. He is under our feet. However, we must enforce his defeat by trusting Jesus to lead, guide, and protect us from all harm. The promises of God are there for us all we have to do is reach out and claim them by faith.

Recently I heard Lindsay Roberts on the "The Hour of Healing" talking about God’s 911 Emergency System. Of course she was referring to Psalms 91, verse 1. I hadn’t thought of it in quite that manner but if we abide under the shadow of the Almighty, not only will He come to our rescue and protect us, we will actually remain safe from harm.

I was disappointed to hear a well-known, well-respected, Christian leader imply that God may have turned His back on America. That He may no longer be with us. Of course He is still with us. I am His child and you are His child. He is here because of us. He said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." To say that God is not with the United States of America is like saying that He is not with you and I. We know this is just not the case.

Howbeit, if after reading this article you are one of those that still think God had something to do with the "Attack on America" you had better think again. Weigh the evidence and see who the killer really is!