09 11 08 Nine-Eleven

“Treasure is kept in clay jars. In the same way, we have the treasure of the good news in these earthly bodies of ours. That shows that the mighty power of the good news comes from God. It doesn't come from us. We are pushed hard from all sides. But we are not beaten down. We are bewildered. But that doesn't make us lose hope. Others make us suffer. But God does not desert us. We are knocked down. But we are not knocked out. We always carry around the death of Jesus in our bodies. In that way, the life of Jesus can be shown in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIrV)

NINE-ELEVEN has had new meaning all over the world since September 11, 2001. Whatever memories and images are carved in your hearts and minds from that tragic day, there are a few things we all must never forget. We do not control our own destiny. We cannot continue to think we can earn our way, fight our way, or negotiate our way into tomorrow. We are not at the mercy of our enemies as some may think however. We are at the mercy of God!

Many are still grieving the loss of friends and family that never heard the words “I love you”. Many never had the chance to say “good-bye”. Sadly, many breathed their last breath without hearing the saving message of Jesus Christ. Nine-Eleven still brings regrets. It may still stir feelings of anger, fear, or retribution. But for me, Nine-Eleven is about His grace.

As believers, our treasure is in Christ. Though beaten down, attacked, or pressured from every side, we know God is with us! He has not abandoned us.


His grace allowed my wife to be called into full time ministry a little over a year before September 11, 2001. She would have been at the Pentagon that day for a normal day of work. His grace held back the enemies plans, even over the skies of Pennsylvania, or more lives would have been lost. His grace allowed many in the midst of tragedy to make last minute phone calls, rescue burning men and women, and guide a government through unchartered territory. His grace then urged me to accept His call more diligently throughout the following year. His grace is allowing many today to tell of the events and survive despite the memories.

God gives us the grace to survive in this world. He gives us grace to help others through the worst of tragedies. For me, Nine-Eleven reminds of His grace for me and my responsibility to purposely seek opportunity each day to share the love, forgiveness, and comfort of Christ...His grace.

I won’t wait for another tragedy to occur before I seek to share His grace. It is by grace that we are saved…by our faith in Christ. Nothing brings more joy to my heart than to hear someone ask Jesus to forgive them and to save their soul from hell. Then if tragedy strikes, at least I can say I know where they are and I will see them again. At the very least, I can say I tried. His grace…