A Battle Unlike Any Other: Remembering 9/11

Today's post originally appeared in the email version of Verse of the Day on September 11, 2001

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
(Ephesians 6:12 , NIV)

Today marks an historic day for our nation and the world. Undoubtedly you have all seen or heard reports of the terrorist attacks on the East Coast. It seems unreal that our country is experiencing this kind of horror and pain. I was encouraged tonight to hear President Bush quote Psalm 23 in his address to our nation. Several people had made outcries against President Bush for beginning his presidency with prayer; I'm sure that Christians and non-Christians alike will agree that we are now in a time of urgent need of prayer. I am thankful that God gave us a leader who knows the value and importance of prayer.

Today's events may cause us to lash out in anger at the people responsible for the attacks, and I anticipate an increased intolerance of people of middle-eastern origin. It is important for us to remember that today is, just as President Bush said, a result of evil. There is a great war being waged not only between countries, but in the hearts of people around the world. The enemy will no doubt use these circumstances to make people turn their anger toward God and perhaps even blame God for allowing such terrible things to happen.

God is in control, especially in the midst of all this chaos and horror. Our nation has been called to prayers, and that is exactly what the Christian community must do. This is a battle against the forces of evil in this world. It is not a political battle, nor is it an issue of race. It is God versus Satan, plain and simple, and God will ultimately wins. As a nation we are hurting and grieving for our loss, but even though we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death we will fear no evil!

What may seem overwhelming and difficult can be battled out with God on our side. The end of Ephesians 6 describes how we can prepare ourselves for battle. As we put on our armor, we must continue to pray in all occasions as it says in Ephesians 6:18. We need to remember that although the things of this earth, our flesh and blood, may be affected by the physical battles we wage, the real war is in the spiritual realms. God is with us and we will ultimately be on the winning side of the war when we put our faith in him. Evil may rule for a time, but in the last days, it will be annihilated. I pray that we will not grow discouraged in the meantime, but will continue to draw strength from God.

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To those families who lost loved ones that tragic day, know that the entire country feels your loss. To those who now fight courageously and overseas, we thank you for your sacrifice. To our country's leaders, we pray that God will guide your decisions. May God bless America.