In a way, it does not seem like it has been 20 years since the terrorist attacks on American soil. Thousands of innocent people died on that day. More than 6,000 people were injured in the attack.
An airplane flew into one of the twin towers in New York. At first, there was speculation that a plane had flown off course. Then, while millions watched on TV, another plane flew into the other tower. At this point, everyone was assured it was on purpose. Another plane flew into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and then another hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania. Our nation changed forever that day.
In 2019, a virus that we call COVID-19 was found to be causing many hospitalizations and deaths. Hospitals were overrun with people who were testing positive for the virus. Sterilization was given the utmost importance. Wash your hands, use sterilizers and keep a distance of six feet away from others became the order of the day. Schools, businesses, even some churches closed. Virtual learning became a new way of doing things. It is still going on today.
And another strain has been detected and is causing more people to be hospitalized. And, yes, many people are dying because of this virus. I would venture to say that every family has been affected in some way by this.
When things look bleak and it seems there is no hope, we find that we can have hope. Our hope is in the One who suffered and died for our sins—Jesus Christ. He was beaten John 19:1, crucified John 19:16-18, buried John 19:40-42, and then rose again on the third day John 20:1-10 as He said He would, Mark 10:32-34. Because of His resurrection, we can confidently put our trust in Him. As we put our faith in Him and obey His teachings, we will have hope of a better life when we leave this world.
We have never been promised a life without trials and temptations. We have been promised a better hope if we faithfully follow Jesus each and every day of our lives.
It is important for each one of us to examine our lives to make sure Jesus is number one in all that we do or say. Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 He also said in John 12:48, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” We hear many things and many opinions today, but the only one that matters is from the One who created us. Read the Word of God to hear what God’s will is for everyone. Then, obey it.