Can Anything Good Come from 9/11?
Fifteen years ago this past Sunday our nation was devastated by the worst act of terrorism we have ever witnessed. 2996 people died, over 6000 more people were injured, and the economic effects of the 9/11 attacks were estimated in the trillions of dollars. Of course, the main thing was that innocent people were murdered by evil Al Quaeda operatives. These attacks shook us to the core and we won’t ever forget what happened on that day. In truth, the people who were directly affected by this terrible tragedy are in a different category when it comes to grieving. And so I tread lightly as I ask the question, “With all of the heartache of what happened fifteen years ago, can anything good come from 9/11?” I think we all know that the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”
Hundreds of articles have been written addressing how our nation changed because of the 9/11 attacks. There was a revival of patriotism. There were heroes. There was an awareness of the length to which terrorists will go to try to destroy the fabric of our country. There was an appreciation for those who daily work to defend us. There was a renewed sense of comradery among races and diverse cultures who are all in reality just Americans. There was a pause from bi-partisan politics at least long enough to sing in unison, “God Bless America!” There was increased respect for the flag, the national anthem, and the military. There was a rise in charity and sharing. We could go on and on. But above all of the possible good things, there were the spiritual blessings. This spiritual awakening came directly from our people having to look evil and death in the face and discover how to properly deal with it all.
There were individuals who had not darkened the door of a church building for decades who were found worshiping the following Sunday morning. There were people who were rededicating themselves to God and family and country. There were those who were unsaved who immediately decided to embrace Christ and get right with God. There were atheists who chose to renounce their stubborn will and believe in God. There were entire churches who responded with spiritual efforts in their communities to reach out to people who were hurting and lost. And individually, for every person, there was an awareness of morality and the judgment and an understood need to be ready to meet the Lord.
Good things can come from terrible things. Think about some of the worst things that have ever happened to you personally. How did you respond to them in the long run? Didn’t they help you prioritize your life and build your character? Didn’t they shape you into the person you are today? Aren’t you better and stronger because of the challenges that were created by those experiences? The worst days for us in this physical world are, in reality, the days that will lead us victoriously into eternity. Jesus, while on the cross, made the worst day in history our moment of everlasting redemption.
Can anything good really come from something like 9/11? I seem to remember a man named Nathaneal once asking the question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” I think we all know how that turned out.
It all depends on how we choose to respond.
“For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.” – 1 Timothy 4:10
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