On September 11, 2001, we all watched a terrible event which we will never forget. The attacks of that day on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, plus the looming question of where the fourth plane was headed, are forever etched in our minds and on our hearts. Words simply cannot describe the terror that was spread throughout America on that horrific day.
However, our government has stood strong. I firmly believe that President Bush is in office for a reason. Mr. President, "...you have come to your position for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) I have never been more proud to be an American than I was when the President recited the 23rd Psalm Tuesday. "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. And though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me." Those are the words our President spoke to us in a time of great need. He spoke volumes to all of us, and brought a great awakening to millions. God's work is surely being done today.
Now, with war looming over our heads, many of us are afraid. I, myself, fear the draft. I'm two years too young to be drafted, but this war will be long enough that I may still be called to serve my country. If I am so called, I will serve and serve proudly and with honor. I still fear what the war has in store for all of us. Surely, we all need to be ready to stand before God. All have sinned, and the wages of sin is death, but whosoever believes in Jesus Christ will not perish but have everlasting life.
Let us not waste any more time. Many around us still need to hear the message of the gospel. Many do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Don't procrastinate any longer. If we have learned anything from Tuesday's attacks, it is that no one is invulnerable. Daily we go to war. Not with Afghanistan or Bin Ladin or terrorist organizations, but with Satan and all his demons. So, let's answer that call to war. Work endlessly to spread the love of Christ to all of those around you. Some of us don't have much longer left, so let's not risk letting another slip through our fingers.
Prayer is our greatest weapon. Pray constantly for our nation, its people, its soldiers, and its leaders. Let us not neglect praying for our enemies, as well. I have many people around me that I am praying for now, and I encourage you to find a few people you know and have some kind of relationship with and pray that God help you work His will in their lives. Don't limit yourself only to them, though. There are many others we can reach that we may miss if we don't pay attention to where we're going.
I encourage all Americans reading to take heart. The Lord is with us. Place your trust and hope in Him. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11) We have nothing to fear, as long as He is with us. "And all things work to good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) Have we ever been called more than we are now? The eternal future of thousands will be decided during this war. Thousands of Americans, including many of those around us, will lose their lives fighting for our freedom. It is our responsibility as Christians to make sure they know Jesus before they leave us.
The entire CSO staff would like to extend our condolances to the families of those killed or missing from Tuesday's attacks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
Here at CSO, we will attempt to resume our normal procedures. I am preparing a CD review for posting within the next couple days, and I hope to have another feature article up soon.
