The Big Picture

ROMANS 8:28

The events of September 11th, 2001 were a tragic and devastating moment in history, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives and significant global consequences. While it’s challenging to find “good” in such a tragedy, there are a few positive aspects or lessons that some individuals and communities have drawn from this event.

First we have to define GOOD. There is GOOD and then there is GOOD.

Situational Good—which is a short-term goodness. Its making more money, being healthy, avoiding pain, hardship or trials.

Ultimate Good---is the big picture good. This means you will walk through difficult times and trials and that God will be with us through them.

God’s picture of “ultimate good” is that we would be more like Jesus and have a relationship with Him.

God uses good and bad things in our lives to form us toward his ultimate goal of making us more like Jesus and more like the people he truly created us to be. THE BIG PICTURE

TELL STORY OF LITTLE GIRL IN EMERGENCY ROOM AND PARENTS LISTEN TO HER CRYING.

Ultimate good endures. Money, nice house, nice car, etc. are all short-term goods. If our situations cause us to draw closer to God, it leads to ultimate good as we become more and more like Jesus. Despite hardship, we can confidently proclaim that in Christ, good came about because we now know and trust God more deeply

LETS LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE

SARAH

On that fateful morning, she was on the 47th floor, completely unaware of what was happening in the floors above.

As chaos erupted around her, she like so many others, faced a choice: to panic or to remain calm.

She remained calm and helped her colleagues evacuate and guided them to safety.

When she made it out of the building she was met with total chaos and confusion.

The streets were filled with people in shock, dust covered and disoriented.

it was a time of great uncertainty and fear.

Amidst this darkness, a remarkable transformation occurred.

New Yorker’s know for their resilience, came together as a community. Stranger helping stranger. Offering shelter, water and comfort.

Firefighters, police officers and first responders demonstrated extraordinary bravery, rushing into danger to save lives.

Sarah found herself in the company of others who had narrowly escaped. They formed a makeshift support group, sharing their experiences, fears and hopes. This group became a lifeline in those early days, offering each other strengths and solace.

In the weeks and months that followed, the spirit of unity continued to shine. Volunteers flocked to Ground Zero to assist in recovery efforts.

Communities rallied together to provide aid to the victims families.

The nation mourned collectively but also found a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

Sarah’s story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the human spirit can rise above adversity. It teaches us that when we come together as a a community, we can find strength, hope and healing, even in the darkest of times.

JOHN

John was a firefighter. He had always dreamed of becoming a firefighter which he followed in his fathers footsteps.

John and his fellow firefighters rushed into the burning towers without hesitation. They climbed the stairs of the North Tower and were aware of the danger they faced.

Smoke billowed and heat was intense, but their determination to save lives drove them forward.

They had no way of knowing that this would be the last mission for many of them.

Tragically, the North Tower collapsed, taking John and many of his colleagues with it.

It was a devastating lose, not just for their families but for our nation as a whole.

It was a day when the world seemed to be shrouded in darkness, and the pain was almost too much to bear.

Families of the victims came together, finding solace and strength in one another.

Acts of kindness and compassion multiplied, as people from all walks of life reached out to support those who had suffered the most.

LISA

John encountered a woman named Lisa, who was desperately trying to find her way out.

She was disoriented and frightened, struggling to breathe in the thick smoke.

John true to his calling, guided her to safety, ensuring she made it out of the tower before he continued his mission to help others.

In the years that followed, Lisa, became an advocate for survivors and victims families.

She channeled her grief into meaningful action, working tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard.

Through her efforts, she became a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

SEPTEMBER 11TH

The events of this day were a tragic and devastating moment in history, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives and significant global consequences.

Its challenging to find GOOD in such a tragedy but there are a few positive aspects or lessons.

UNITY AND COMPASSION. there was an outpouring of support, unity and compassion among people from all walks of life. Christians came together to provide aid, comfort, and assistance to the victims and their families. This demonstrated the capacity for human kindness and solidarity in times of crisis

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE: there was a growing recognition of the importance of interfaith dialogue and understanding from different religious communities. Many Christians engaged in efforts to promote dialogue and bridge gaps between faith traditions, fostering a greater sense of religious tolerance and cooperation.

INCREASED FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL ISSUES: 9/11 highlighted the interconnectedness of the world and the need for global cooperation in addressing terrorism and other global challenges. Some Christians became more involved in international humanitarian and peace efforts, recognizing the importance of working toward a more just and peaceful world.

REFLECTION ON VALUES: 9/11 prompted many individuals, including Christians, to reflect on their values and the importance of living out principles of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the face of hatred and violence. Some saw it as an opportunity to reevaluate their own lives and prioritize actions that promote peace and justice.

RESILIENCE AND FAITH: For some Christians, the events of 9/11 served as a reminder of the importance of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. It encouraged them to deepen their faith and rely on their religious beliefs for comfort and guidance during difficult times.

Romans 8:28

This scripture reminds of that even in the darkest of times, God can work for the good of those who love him.

From the ashes of 9/11, a community of survivors and supporters emerged, bound together by love, empathy, and a shared commitment to healing and rebuilding.

In our own lives, we may face trials and tribulations, and it may seem that darkness surrounds us.

Yet the story of 9/11 and the message in Romans remind us that even in the face of unspeakable tragedy, there can be hope, healing, and a brighter future when we come together in love and unity.