On September 11, 2001, terrorists from the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane, United Flight 93, was brought down in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened. These events resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, marking one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. soil. The Bible affirms that God is unchanging and sovereign. Hebrews 13:8 declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever," reminding us that God was neither absent nor surprised by the events of 9/11. Tragedy is part of the fallen world we inhabit due to sin, but God works all things according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
We must recognize that God did intervene in many positive ways on 9/11. For example, the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania was allegedly targeting the White House. Those who valiantly fought to stop this from taking place saved many lives. Many more individuals could have also died in New York and Washington if it had not been for the heroic efforts of countless volunteers and first responders. In addition, the increased focus on security since 9/11 has certainly stopped some further deadly attacks from taking place. While the full impact of such actions is difficult to measure, the lives saved have been many.
Not only were physical lives spared that day, but God also often uses tragedy to turn the hearts of people to Him—to save them spiritually. For example, after the attacks on 9/11, many people came to faith in Jesus Christ, and many Christians began to live out their faith more seriously. Countless lives were changed for eternity in the aftermath of 9/11, an outcome that is often overlooked.
While the horrific actions and numerous losses of life on 9/11 were a monumental devastation for many and should not be overlooked or belittled, this day was not without hope. God was at work even in the midst of tragedy, saving lives both physically and spiritually, while working His eternal plan in ways we will only fully understand in heaven. Though the pain of 9/11 endures, we can find hope in knowing that God is always at work, even in the midst of tragedy, and that His eternal plans will one day make all things new (Revelation 21:4).