It was 25 years ago that the world woke to an ordinary Tuesday. People were making coffee, getting kids ready, driving to work. Then, in minutes, everything changed.
On 11 September 2001, terrorists attacked the United States, taking thousands of lives. Here in Australia, we watched it unfold on our screens, grieved alongside our American friends, knowing things were never going to be the same. In the days that followed, people everywhere asked the same painful question: “Why did God let this happen?”
Twenty-five years on, that question reminds us there’s something more important than remembering what happened — we must remember what we learned.
When Everything Changes, Remember God Never Does
“For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods” (Psalm 95:3).
Everything changed after 9/11. God didn’t. He is still on the throne, still Love, still true to His Word. Tragedy can tempt us to judge God by what happened rather than judge what happened by what we know of God. Jesus told us there is a thief who comes “to steal and kill and destroy,” while He came to give us “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). We live in a fallen world where evil exists — but evil doesn’t change God’s character.
Jesus spoke of a house built on rock that withstood the storm. You can be that house, unshaken because your faith rests on God’s Word, not on circumstances. When fear rises, don’t let it tell you who God is — go to His Word instead, until you can say with the psalmist: “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:2).
Watchful, Not Fearful
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil” (1 Peter 5:8).
Today’s threats don’t always look like planes or bombs — they might arrive as a scam text, a phishing email, or a dodgy phone call. Being watchful isn’t the same as being afraid. Nehemiah’s example is instructive: “we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night” (Nehemiah 4:9). They trusted God but they also took practical action.
Fear says, “You’re on your own — protect yourself.” Faith says, “God is my source. I’ll listen to Him and act wisely.”
Watch how The LORD’s protection was over our Partners Jeff and Linda Herbert on a day of absolute terror.
Don’t Let Yesterday Steal Today’s Peace
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Elisha’s servant, surrounded by an army, was terrified — until God opened his eyes to see the angels surrounding them. You don’t need to know everything that might happen tomorrow; you need to know the One who already does.
What Can One Believer Do?
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power” (James 5:16).
Pray for protection, for leaders, for emergency services, for wisdom. Then listen for what the Holy Spirit prompts you to do — and do it.
Our greatest security has never been in what we can do for ourselves. It’s in Almighty God — still on the throne, still Love, still available to those who believe.
Twenty-five years after 9/11, let our response be more than remembrance. Let it be faith, prayer and obedience. And let America and every nation, once again look to Almighty God.
Heavenly Father, we come to You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your loving care and protection. We ask You to lead and guide our government leaders, military commanders, law enforcement officer and first responders. Give them wisdom, discernment and courage as they serve and protect.
Lord, You are our refuge and our place of safety. We look to You as our Source, trusting You to protect our nation and the people who call it home. Keep us from evil, help us remain alert to Your voice, and give us wisdom to obey when You lead. We refuse fear after 9/11 and choose to put our faith in Your power, Your goodness and Your love. Thank You, Sir, for hearing us and watching over us.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
