He Is There, Always

SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

By Matt Yamamoto, Director of High School Ministry

Today marks the 19th anniversary of the day that has changed the lives of Americans forever. I can tell you the exact place and time when I first learned of what was happening in New York and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. I had walked into a leadership class, and as soon as I stepped into the room, I immediately knew something significant was taking place. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I had no idea how deeply it would affect our nation, but I knew that it would have a profound impact on our nation and even the world. 

We are facing the same kind of culture-shifting, earth-shattering event right now with the COVID pandemic. Of course, it is not producing the same kind of shock-inducing reaction from us as we are all waiting it out in our homes, but it is striking the same nerve as September 11 did. Our sense of safety and ability to control our reality and future are all being challenged.

The pandemic has prompted in me the same question I asked nineteen years ago, “Why, God?”

God has never promised to save us from all of our woes, problems, and enemies. He has promised us something better––to be there with us through it all. It is not His will that we encounter these tragedies. When the terrorists brought down the World Trade Center, it felt like the world was crashing down around me. But here I am nearly twenty years later, and God has carried me through all the difficult days I’ve had since. We will not escape the difficult times in life, but He has promised us a touch of His kingdom, His peace, and His presence to always be with us, even till the very end of the world.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

My challenge to you today is to spend some time thinking about how your life has changed since COVID and how God’s presence has made it a better situation. Thank Him and praise Him for being our ever present and loving God.

Prayer: Lord, You are my anchor and my strength. Please help me to lean more on You, especially when I go through difficult situations in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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