It’s been 23 years since that fateful September morning, but the memories are still vivid. I was home sick from school, flipping through TV channels when suddenly, every station showed the same horrifying scene – a burning building in New York City. Little did I know, I was about to witness history unfold before my eyes.
As I watched, stunned, the second plane hit. My heart raced as I called my mom, my voice shaking. She thought I was dreaming. Oh, how I wish we all were.
In those moments of sheer terror and confusion, it was hard to see God’s hand. The collapsing buildings, the brave first responders rushing into danger, the tears and prayers of a nation – where was God in all of this?
But looking back now, I realize He was there all along.
You see, in our darkest hours, God doesn’t always shield us from pain. Sometimes, He walks through it with us. As the Psalmist wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
On 9/11, God was there in the courage of the firefighters who climbed those towers. He was there in the passengers of Flight 93 who sacrificed themselves to save others. He was there in the countless acts of kindness and unity that followed in the days and weeks after.
In times of trial, it’s easy to ask, “Where is God?” But often, He’s right there in the middle of it all, working through people, circumstances, and even our own hearts.
I remember praying desperately that day, worried about my dad who was out of town and family in big cities. Looking back, I see how God answered those prayers – not always in the ways I expected, but always faithfully.
Since that day, I’ve faced other trials in life – maybe not as dramatic as 9/11, but personal struggles that felt just as overwhelming. And time and again, I’ve found that God shows up. Sometimes it’s through a friend’s encouraging word, a timely Bible verse, or just a sense of peace that surpasses understanding.
As we remember 9/11, let’s also remember this truth: God is with us in our darkest hours. He doesn’t promise a life free from pain, but He does promise to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Today, I’m grateful for the resilience our nation showed after 9/11. I’m thankful for our military and all who’ve fought to preserve our freedom. But most of all, I’m thankful for a God who walks with us through every valley and every mountaintop.
If you’re going through a hard time right now, remember: You’re not alone. God is there, even when it’s hard to see Him. Keep holding on, keep praying, keep believing. Dawn always follows the darkest night.
Let’s honor those we lost on 9/11 by living with hope, courage, and faith – the very things that saw us through that terrible day and the days that followed.
Where were you on 9/11? How have you seen God work in your life during difficult times? Share your stories in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another with the reminder that even in our hardest moments, we are never alone.
Living Life with a Purpose 