Daily Wisdom 09-10-2002 God Bless America

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God Bless America

Remember how a year ago we were consumed by the news,and often overwhelmed by pictures of sadness and tears? We spent a lot of time in prayer; a lot of time feeling pain and grief over our many loses. We were shocked, surprised and in disbelief. The Lord says in the Bible, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at that the painful trial that you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13

Many Americans did not have much sleep when this "war" began. The reality all of these tragic events were devastating. We are spending a little too much time thinking, a little too much time questioning, and a little too much time wondering where was God? We must look past the circumstances and realize He was there. He was saving, and counseling and loving. We must realize that God is awesome; His plan is great. A nation has come together in massive numbers. We have extended our hand to the weary. We are justifiably angry, but for the first time in a long time, not at each other. We are turning back to the Lord in devotion and prayer. We are seeking His answers. "As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given" Daniel 9:23a

As our families began to emerge, from countless hours of bad news, we realized that the world had been drastically altered. We began re-evaluating our priorities and changing; getting up earlier, going to the beach, inviting our neighbors and our co-workers to church, making those long-distance "I love you" phone calls, enjoying life more and worrying about tomorrow less, talking longer and walking closer to the Lord. "...For I am with you to save you and deliver you," says the Lord. "I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible" Jeremiah 15:20b-21

We should not be distressed because our children had gone out to war. We should not be discouraged by the battle that still lies ahead. We can take refuge in His arms. Come back brother! Come back sister! Come back! Come back to the Lord and He will give you peace. "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Yesterday can never be changed or re-written. We have been called to fight, but we shall not submit to the world. "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is His good pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12:2. We may be facing a new enemy, but the Lord is not, this is His battle, and His victory. We do not have to offer repayment in hate "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:20-21

As a nation, we find victory under God. As an individual, we find victory through Christ. For what does tomorrow hold? Only God knows. Are you ready, have you accepted Christ? Have you found forgiveness? Do you have hope? Has anyone told you that there is eternal life?

God has blessed America. God has blessed the world. God sent His son to die, so that we could be saved, so that we could be forgiven. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, those who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

We can take solace in the fact that, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever". Hebrews 13:8 To those who will hear, teach! To those who are in need, give! To those who are grieved, pray!

Contributed byEleasha HilliardPhilippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.