Where Was God During 9/11?

It seems every time there is a national tragedy or terrorist attack or seemingly any random act of violence, the question comes up, “Where is God?”

Let me be perfectly clear on this point, God is love. There is no evil or darkness in Him whatsoever. Jesus makes it very clear that it is Satan that comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Once you understand that basic truth, it gets easier to understand this fallen world and the grace that God gives believers to overcome all the power of the evil one.

Another important point is God gave man dominion of the earth. Man sinned and gave Satan authority over this planet. Jesus came to win it back on the cross. Satan can still have a great deal of influence, but he has to work through men. God does the same, but in a very different way. He will not impose His will on anyone. He will not overrule man’s freewill because that would contradict His Word. To the man or woman that welcomes Jesus into their lives, all the promises of God, including protection and guidance, are available by simply believing and trusting God’s Word.

There are literally hundreds of specific promises of protection from evil in the Bible. Among my favorites, is Psalm 91. For Believers, God will provide warnings and promptings to keep you safe. But you must be ready to hear an act on these instructions. I have heard testimonies of people that did not go to the World Trade Center that day for these reasons.

I am sure God was dealing with many people in the days leading up to the attack to intercede in prayer for people who might be involved in the attack. Since I was not directly involved, I will give you a specific case when I was facing harm.

My mother interceded for me one Saturday night when I was oblivious to the danger I faced during a drunken fraternity trip to a dangerous place. That night about 12 young men were supernaturally protected by at least one woman’s love of her son and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s request for her faithful prayer. That experience changed my life and forever changed my faith in a miracle working and promise keeping God.

She had no advance knowledge of my trip and no human reason to be concerned for my safety. The Holy Spirit prompted her to pray for my protection and for all those who were with me. She was obedient and then went to sleep, safe in the knowledge that God’s hedge of protection was around me. It was not until Sunday afternoon when we finally spoke on the phone did she and I both know all that happened the night before.

On 9/11, I have no doubt that God and His angels were working to save and preserve everyone that would listen. But for those Christians that missed out on God’s protection and perished, by scripture I know that every Christian was immediately with Jesus, very much alive and safe.

In the midst of any great calamity, it is not uncommon for even stubborn nonbelievers to cry out to Jesus. Like the thief on the cross that repented before his death, they also were immediately at Jesus’ side, preserved for eternity to be reunited with Christian friends and family later. It is God’s will that not even one is lost for eternity.

And for those of us left behind, mourning friends, family, and for our country, He is still here. He provides comfort for those that are hurting, assurance for those that have lost loved ones, and promises of protection for those that trust Him.

Read this passage often. This is God’s promise to protect YOU.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91 NLT

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