Why?

Psalm 18:30
As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.

As we pause today to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, we remember the most horrific attack the United States has ever known and our thoughts still swirl with disbelief and sorrow. Many people are still asking, “Why did it happen? Where was God? Why would He let such a tragedy occur?” None of it seems to make any sense to us, yet the Bible, God’s holy book of instruction, gives us some answers.

Where was God on September 11, 2001? Was He really in control?

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try the sons of men.

Psalm 66:7
He ruleth by His power for ever; His eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

Why would God allow this to happen?

Isaiah 55:8-9
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, say the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Romans 8:28-29
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son . . .

Wasn’t He being mean and evil when He let these events unfold? He could have stopped them.

Psalm 92:15
. . . the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is not unrighteousness in Him.

A simple little story from the devotional book Timeless Truths sums it up well:

Walking though the city slums, an atheistic barber said to the preacher, “This is why I cannot believe in a God of love. If God was as kind as you say, He would not permit all this poverty, disaster, and squalor. He would not allow these poor bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits.” They met a man who was especially dirty, hair hanging down his neck, with a half-inch of stubble on his face.

Said the minister, “You can’t be a very good barber or you wouldn’t permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and shave.”

Indignantly the barber answered, “Why blame me for that man’s condition? I can’t help it that he is like that. He has never come in my shop: I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman!”

The minister replied, “Then don’t blame God for allowing the people to continue in their evil ways, when He is constantly inviting them to come and be saved.”

Yes, God’s plan is for all men to come to Him for salvation. He offers peace, comfort, rest and hope—even when life doesn’t make sense. His invitation is open to all. He simply says, “Come.”

Lord, thank You that when I come to you in faith, I find help and hope in my hour of need. Bless the families who lost loved ones on our nation’s day of tragedy. Guide our leaders. Guard our land.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
When You Can't Understand God's Plan
How Can I Know God's Will for My Life?
How Are You Handling Anger?

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