9 years ago today

About this time (6:27 a.m. EST), I'm sure some people who were involved in the tragic events of that day, 9 years ago, were getting up, were on their way to he airport, were beginning their day as a first responder in NYC, etc.; and except for the criminals, no one had an idea what that particular day would bring. They lived out the truth of what the Bible says: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." (Proverbs 27:1). For those who lost someone on that day, I'm sure the pain is still there, and today it is good for us to pray for them...especially today.

I can still remember that Tuesday morning, when the church custodian came to my youth office and told me what had happened. I called Teresa and told her to turn on the TV. That scenario must have played out thousands of times in our country that day: "turn on the TV...you won't believe what just happened." The pictures and video from that day are chilling. I don't know how anyone can process those events, unless you believe in a sovereign God, who allowed the consequences of sin to be seen in a cataclysmic way on that particular day. Those who did those terrible things will have to give an account before a holy God; but God also used the events of that day to turn many people toward Him; even those who had ignored Him most of their lives.

So, today, we remember the fallen and thank God for those first responders, many of which also gave their lives that day. We remember the friends and families that remain, who still grieve over their loved ones. We look to God, realizing that He may not give us all the answers to our questions about that day; but He will give us the answers for how to live in an uncertain, sinful world, and how to be prepared for eternity.

"Lord, today I pray for all of those who will be grieving, as they remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We believe, Lord, that you have or will bring to justice (your perfect justice) those who committed those terrible crimes and caused death and incredible pain to so many. We believe your Word, that all those who died that day, as your followers, have spent the last 9 years in your presence...at peace. So, we ask you to give comfort and peace to those who grieve today, and continue to use this tragedy to help people look to you as their comforter, their Savior, and their Lord. In Jesus name, Amen."