Finding Christ

Praise the Lord, you angels of his; praise his glory and his strength. Praise him for his majestic glory, the glory of his name. Come before him clothed in sacred garments.

The voice of the Lord echoes from the clouds. The God of glory thunders through the skies. So powerful is his voice; so full of majesty. It breaks down the cedars. It splits the giant trees of Lebanon. It shakes Mount Lebanon and Mount Sirion. They leap and skip before him like young calves! The voice of the Lord spins and topples the mighty oaks. It strips the forests bare. They whirl and sway beneath the blast. But in his temple all are praising, "Glory, glory to the Lord."

At the Flood, the Lord showed his control of all creation. Now he continues to unveil his power. He will give his people strength. He will bless them with peace.

Psalm 29:1-11 (TLB)

"I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows, but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (TLB)

Christina Ray Stanton lives in New York. On September 11, 2001, her husband, Brian, shook her awake when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. After they watched the second plane crash into the South Tower, just six blocks away, they ran down 24 stories, Christina barefoot and in her pajamas. Soon both towers fell, and they were covered in dust and debris and struggling to breathe through the smoke. Unsure if they would survive, they searched desperately for a way to safety. Feeling utterly alone, Christina asked God to spare them. But she did not expect an answer. She had abandoned her faith years ago, so why would God answer her now?

When Christina and her husband got off the boat in New Jersey, they knew they could not go home, but they had no idea where to go or what to do next. Weeks of uncertainty stretched into months. They re-evaluated everything, including their relationship with God. They joined a faith community and became active in the church. Their faith deepened, and they committed their lives to Christ.

On this anniversary of 9/11, Christina remembers how God met them at their lowest point, sheltered them, and rebuilt them. In this broken world, injustice and suffering will be a constant presence. But today's quoted scripture gives Christina hope: Jesus has overcome the world. God will never forsake or abandon her.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your constant and unfailing love, in Jesus' name. Amen.