September 11 will go down in history as a day of horror. America was shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Thousands of innocent lives were lost. It is hard for anyone to imagine such hatred and diabolical actions. Questions like “Where was God?” and “Why did He allow such a tragedy?” are being asked. God has always been there. He came in His Son over 2000 years ago to warn us of tribulation in this world. He died and rose again that we would know victory even in tribulation by receiving Him as our personal Savior. The question is where are you? I trust you have responded to His offer of grace. Why does God allow such tragedy? There is no easy answer. But one thing we know. We live in a world where many are turning away from God and ignoring His offer of salvation. He doesn’t force us to believe in Him and obviously many do not. Often unbelievers act out their hatred. The problem in this fallen world is the innocent often suffer along with all the others. Our text talks about

Tribulation means trouble or difficulty, anguish or persecution. The world is at enmity with God. It is a fallen world and Christians are subject to the acts of human sin just like others. Couple that with Satan going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour and our own sinful flesh which so easily deceives us and it is not hard to see our problem. The righteous suffers with the unrighteous and unrepentant. Man’s rebellion is clearly evident in the recent events in New York and Washington. No doubt there were many believers among those who lost their lives. God does not guarantee we will not die suddenly or even violently, He does promise us

Jesus assures victory. Christ came to offer that victory to all who will put their trust in Him as Savior. His finished work of salvation took place over 2000 years ago and the offer is just as valid today. He suffered at the hands of His own creation, was crucified and buried. But on the third day He arose. As He lives we too shall live if we put our trust in His finished work. Jesus said, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28). “I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall an man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28). Paul said, “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. ³⁷Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom 8:35-37). Yes there is triumph found in Jesus and the way of triumph is

Note all these statements from our text point to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He has given words of comfort and encouragement. He promises personal forgiveness and triumph through personal relationship with Him. His is the cry of victory, “I have overcome”. Jesus alone is able to make and keep such a promise. Our relationship to Jesus is based on faith. Faith is trust or commitment. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6) Jesus’ offer of victory is both now and for all eternity. Have you come? The way of victory is clearly shown in the Bible. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom 3:23, 6:23, 10:9,10, 10:13) If you do not know Christ as Savior, bow your head and invite Him in right now.

In the National Gallery of Art in London there's a picture of the Crucifixion that is so dark that when you first look at it, you can't see anything. But if you stand still and continue to gaze at it you will see in the darkness a very dim figure of the crucified Christ. As you look even longer, you then begin to discern behind the figure of Christ the presence of God the Father, and His hands are holding up His Son, and on His face is a look of unimaginable grief. There, in those hours of suffering on the cross, Jesus knew His Father was with him. We too can be assured that in our times of pain and suffering Jesus is with us. God bless.