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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: My children’s generation was ruined by 9/11 and I don’t think they will ever recover from the mess that this tragedy has done to their hearts. – D.P.

 

Dear D.P.: Every generation witnesses terrifying world events. The 21 st century was inaugurated with the horrific 9/11 tragedy that set the whole world on edge. Today nations are in turmoil as governments struggle with how to defeat global terrorism.

People are frantic, searching for solutions. The only solution is found in the righteous ruler – the Man of peace. He will strengthen us to stand strong in the face of trials and disappointments. In the midst of cataclysmic events, there is peace that passes understanding. People think they want peace in the world, but what they really need is peace in their souls.

Many powerful stories came out of the 9/11 tragedy. A firefighter said, “We thought the devil was here, but with this cross, we know God is here.” Among the rubble in the aftermath of 9/11, a 20-foot steel-beam cross was uncovered. Though people watched in terror as the World Trade Center towers in New York collapsed, the sight of a cross brought hope to many – and terror to some. Atheists demanded that the cross, later displayed, be removed from the privately operated National September 11 Memorial and Museum. They claimed that many people were “injured” when they saw it.

To some the cross of Christ brings cheer; to others it incites fear. The cross can be of comfort to people’s spirits, or it can reveal the corruption of the human heart and bring conviction of sin. When you see a cross, let it always remind you of the tremendous gift that Jesus gave us, but never forget that it was because of our sin that Christ had to die there.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)