In the aftermath of the attacks on Sept. 11 many people became confused and wanted answers to the reasons why something like this could happen, what will happen next and what should they do. A great number of people look to religion for answers.
Many people who chose to come to church wanted to know why God could have let this happen. Another question was: is this the beginning of the end? I think that a great multitude came seeking peace of mind and some sort of reassurance. But reassurance, I find, only comes in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and savior.
I know that many people don't see God as a real solution to their problems. I've been in church all my life. My grandfather is a pastor and my father is a minister. So God's word has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I've seen the power of God; I've seen him move in others and myself. In God's arms I find peace and joy that this world can never take away for me.
I try to invite people to church and to the numerous Bible studies here on campus but the response is the same - a resounding "no." I get excuses like, "I don't know if I'm ready to give myself to God," "I don't think God would have much use for me," "if I could just get my life together then I'll come to Christ" and "I would but you can't trust church people."
Those who feel they aren't ready to give their lives to Christ need to know that the Lord will come back for all those who follow him and who are call by his name whether you're ready or not. God will make you ready for whatever purpose or will he has for your life if only you turn yourself to him. The Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"; all that one needs to do is trust God and go in faith. The Bible says in Romans 13:11, "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
For the person who says that God has no use for them, I say let them consider the Disciples for they were merely fishermen and a tax collector. God can use anyone to fulfill his will. The Bible says that, "There is nothing new under the sun," so whether you feel that your sins are too great or you feel that you're too insignificant for God to use, there is nothing that God hasn't seen or heard before and he will work in your life if you believe in him. For Romans says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose." All that is needed by God is to love him and live accordingly.
In Luke 5:31b-32 Jesus says himself, "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners, to repentance." The idea is that we are supposed to come to Christ and with his help make our lives better. Not to come to Christ as perfect beings for we know that we are not perfect. But to live a life with Christ as our guide we strive toward perfection and righteousness. The Bible says, "Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." God wants us to come to him with all are baggage, problems, fears and to turn them over to him."
The last one is so important to me because I hear people bash the church for its many problems. I've seen the folly of man and wrongs committed in the church but that hasn't yet discouraged from giving God my all. I don't go to church or serve God for the people. I do it for myself. Salvation is personal. Act 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for is none other mane under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." People will fall and make mistakes even us. But to know God is to know love and mercy. Jesus died for you to be saved and not by others but to save you.
Find a friend that can bring you to their church. If you don't know anyone like that, come out to the many Bible studies on campus and see what the Lord will do in your life if you open yourself to him.
