September 17, 2001
TOGETHER:
Nothing can separate us from the love of God
___Tuesday morning, I was at a funeral service for one of God's saints. We read aloud: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life ... neither height nor depth ... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
___"Neither height" suddenly came alive for me in a new way as we all learned about the horrible attack on America. Thinking about being trapped in a burning building over 100stories high or in an aircraft violently commandeered by ruthless men took my breath away. I quietly prayed that the promise of Scripture was firmly lodged in the hearts of everyone who experienced that terror. God's love in Christ Jesus conquers every evil and every dimension of height and depth in our lives.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___As the news has continued to roll in like waves in a storm, we have gone from heartbreak to anger, from disbelief to fear, from pride in those who have willingly helped to frustration that there is not something more we can do. I don't yet know how to make sense of it. But I have found that what I need more than answers is the presence of the One who has promised to never leave or forsake me. We do not always get to choose how life shall come to us. It is enough that God comes.
___We know this. It is not God's perfect will for acts of violence and terror to occur. He has shown us a better way. But God allows human will to be exercised, even when the hearts of men and women plot evil. He comes into the darkness of the human soul and asks for a hearing. But if he is turned away, he does not quit caring. With those who love him and want to work with him, God works patiently and redemptively, bringing good out of evil and trouble. He helps us to grow up into the likeness of Christ.
___Please join me in praying for all those who are wounded or mourning. Thank God for men and women who spend their lives in public service at great risk to themselves and their families.
___Pray for the president and all governmental leaders that they will have keen wisdom and true courage.
___Pray for ministers who will help us to pray our way through this. Pray that revival will break out in America and spread around the world. Even in great loss there is room to hope.
___Pray that no Christian will blame all Muslims for terroristic acts perpetrated by radical religionists.
___We Christians have fringe groups that have behaved in ways that embarrass us and bring shame to the name we so gladly bear. Those who are guilty of planning and supporting these awful deeds must be punished. But we must not punish the innocent. We should seek ways to care for those who are frightened.
___Pray for those who serve. Baptist Men from other states are offering disaster relief in New York and Washington, D.C. Chaplains are providing counseling in this time of deep trauma. Baptist churches and missionaries are hard at work, along with everyone else.
___Give blood. Send disaster relief dollars through the BGCT. Some of you may go and help.
___Thank God we can be partners with him in every good work.
___We are loved.
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