Life Lessons from 9/11
Today we commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
That day still feels so fresh. We can hardly believe it’s been 10 years. We distinctly remember where we were when the news came of that first airplane flying into the Twin Towers in New York. The shock, the disbelief coupled with the slowly dawning realization that our world had changed that day forever.
Many individual stories filled the following days. Courage and heroism; panic and agony; kindness and sacrifice. Individual lives changed forever in a moment as we all witnessed and watched and felt our own hearts torn with the loss we could barely comprehend.
As we collectively mourn and remember this tragic day we also see some life lessons emerging. We see nuggets of wisdom and strength that we can take from this shared world-changing event, into our own quiet hardships and disasters.
** Don’t let your tragedy define you.
As a city, New York has refused to be defined by this tragedy. She does not cower in fear and refuse to move on. This loss has somehow made this city stronger.
If you are facing a hard and unwelcome change in your life that has been thrust upon you, be determined in inching forward beyond the pain. Don’t let the trouble determine who you become. Don’t let the tragedy become your definition. Choose how you will be defined… by your loss or by your strength.
** Walk forward with your eyes focused on the future.
When facing great loss there can be a sense that there is no future. Choose daily to walk with your eyes looking forward. Do something small each day to keep pressing on. Walking with your eyes cast backward is a sure way to trip and stumble.
** We all need help in this journey of life.
No one is an island. We need the inspiration and encouragement of one another as we dust ourselves off from the deep pits of life and step out to move forward. Don’t isolate yourself in your pain. Be intentional about straining forward.
** Reach for higher help.
* God Himself has offered us life that is overflowing with hope and divine help.
* Active rebellion or simply passive indifference keeps us separated from Him just when we need Him the most.
* As followers of Jesus we are equipped with the Holy Spirit to help and guide and comfort us in our journey.
* Asking for a fresh filling of His Spirit enables us to walk with confidence even in the midst of very trying times.
If you are facing your own life-changing events today, whether through crisis or choice, remember that, as a believer in Jesus, you are equipped to be more than a conqueror through His power at work in you.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us??? (Romans 8:35-39).
Step into your inheritance as a child of God and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today. God never promised trouble- free days but He did promise strength for the journey because of His undying love for you. Refresh your commitment today to walk in the power He has given to His children.
~ Dear God, I need You today. I acknowledge that I have lived independently of You by directing my own life. I thank You that You have forgiven me through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I invite You now to take full control of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled and as You promised You would do if I asked in faith. Please direct my life today and fill me with Your strength and wisdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
If you prayed this prayer, we would love to hear from you: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/landing/prayerhs.html
Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: How is your world different since 9/11? This devotional talks about moving forward in the wake of great loss and doing so in the power of the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to “walk in the power of the Holy Spirit???? How does this fortify you for life’s unexpected losses?
3. Chat: Join us for a 15-minute chat at 10:30 am Eastern, 7:30 am Pacific: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat
4. Related article: “My own September 11th” http://www.christianwomentoday.com/lifestories/shoshy.html
9 Responses to “Life Lessons from 9/11”
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i amencoraged with this passin thru a difficult time in my life i lost my job last week, but i know God will make a way out for me.
I am blessed.
It was so encouraging to hear Shoshy’s story. Thank you for sharing it with us. It is good to remember today that God has the future in his hands.
My sister was in New York working at U.N.. I remembered vividly telling her three to four years before that the Philippine government has warned the U.S. . of such an attack because their were students who were learning to fly in the aviation schools in Pampanga . She didn’ want to believe me then . Then this attack happened . We couldn’t contact her . She was at work. Then she called . She had to go down 15 flight of stairs and all the vips went down via the elevator. They were panicking but trying to stay calm because they could be the next target . Temporal things do pass away . When the hard times hit only Gods hand of assurance through His word can be the only thing we can stand upon for His word will live forever when everything has passed away . Jesus , the only source of hope , strength and love. The only debt I have is to love as You have love. When memories of the twin towers shook the world it is a symbol of how hatred can bring forth division , frustration , fear and countless emotional turmoils that only His Spirit can revive within the soul of every being that moves here on earth . May God’s Spirit move within the whole earth to bring His message of the gospel that brings the ripples of His vibrating love , the penetration of His abounding grace , mercy , strength and may His truth win hearts to His kingdom.
today , the event of 9/11 reminds of the sovereignity of God and the need for us to reverence Him in all our ways. He rules over the affairs of men.
This was a great message for me today, and although it helps with the memories of Sept. 11, it touched me more with things going on inside my home. My husband and I are going through a very difficult time and it seems as though we take a couple baby steps forward and one big step back. Thank you for reminding us that hardships are learning times, and afterwards we are more wise and blessed.
Walking in the power of The Holy Spirit gives me freedom from fear – knowing that God is with me at every moment, in every day. When we go through lifes struggles and trials, God is ever present. He is with us in the “Stairwells of our life.”
What struck me as I read this devotional was; I was Leona, a child of God before this attack, during this attack and still to this day – I am Leona, a child of God. During our lifetime we will face attacks of various kinds but what I must cling to is not me, but the fact that I am a child of God. He is Sovereign!
Oh God, forgive us where we have trusted in our own strength. Remind us of our great and desperate need of you. Continue pouring your love upon America, raising up men, women and children that will glorify you. AMEN
Thank you God that you are sovereign over all circumstances. Through the power of the Holy Spirit may we walk in victory. I pray for this country. I pray that our eyes will be truly opened to what God wants to do and be in all our lives inspite of evil. May we be more than conquerers in Jesus Christ!
9/11 is like a bookmark in the lives of all of us. What we were before that date – and the human being we became after that event. To some that change was not as dramatic as it was to others. Young wives became widows, children became orphans, men became heroes, heroes became angels. Our society transformed in many ways, both good and bad. What an impact that day had on our future – as a country – as an individual! The reading was so applicable today! I feel inspired to celebrate the strength that I have found through struggle, disappointment, and tragedy. We can’t let tragedy define us – we have to accept the struggles and hardships – overcome them with strength and understanding – and move past them. I love this verse: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character and hope.” (Romans 5:3
Hope is a wonderful gift from God. I have been accused of being “too hopeful”. I think hope comes from overcoming obstacles – knowing that God gives us the strength that we need to deal with whatever comes our way. I encourage all of my sisters in Christ to shift your focus today. Whatever hardships you are struggling with – lift it up – give it to God to handle – let Him replace that burden with Strength and Joy.
I hope today changes your life! May something wonderful happen to each of you – today! Look for a miracle!