In The Wake Of Tragedy 9-11-2001

How sad we feel as we ponder over the events that happened this past week. How shocked we are that such a thing could happen. How angry at the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes with the intent of using them as kamikaze missiles to destroy as many human lives as possible. Two of these planes were guided straight into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Another was crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Still one more crashed into a field in Pennsylvania most likely due to the heroics of the pilots who did not allow the plane to accomplish its hijacker's purposes. When such terrible acts of violence are seen in our world, we often stop to wonder why. Why did this happen? What is the purpose behind it? And how could God allow such as this to occur? These are valid questions that ought to be asked and answered. But as we ponder these things let us keep in mind three truths which we must remember, even in the wake of tragedy.

God Is In Control

We must always remember that our God is sovereign. He is in control of the situation, and nothing escapes His attention. Daniel realized this very point even when he was in the midst of Babylon as a captive of king Nebuchadnezzar. He told the king that he would be punished for his pride, "...In order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men..." (Dan. 4:17). Daniel was in a difficult situation. His people were in bondage and his faith was tested, yet he held fast and was rewarded. Regardless of how bad a situation looks, God is still in charge and He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear, (1 Cor. 10:13).

God Is Righteous

The righteousness of God is shown throughout the Bible. God always does what is right. He never does anything that is wrong. When God was preparing to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He talked with Abraham. Abraham asked Him, "...Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"(Gen. 18:25). Of course the Lord will do right, and Abraham certainly realized this fact. We must also realize that whatever may happen, God is doing what is right and no wrong will ever be found in Him. The psalmist exclaimed, "Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth," (Ps. 119:142).

God Is Trustworthy

We must always remember that God is trustworthy. He cannot lie. In fact, it is impossible for God to lie (See Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:18). His word is truth (Jn. 17:17) and His word tells us that He can be trusted. Satan wants us to lose our faith in God, and doubt His word and His character. Yet God is pure, His will is perfect, and His purpose is unchanging. He desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, (1 Tim. 2:4). And He is working everything in history to this end (Rom. 8:28). We don't always understand exactly why certain things happen, but we can know for sure that they are according to God's purpose. And He can be trusted.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Prov. 3:5,6).

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Ps. 34:8)