Pray and Don't Give Up!

 I remember eighteen years ago walking into my classroom.  My students were walking in, as well, and an announcement came across the intercom.  We were told that planes were flown into the World
Trade Center building in NYC.  I immediately turned on my television, and we saw the devastation that was taking place.  A short time later we saw more attacks across our country.  I remember praying with my students.  I didn't understand what was happening or why it was happening.  I still don't understand.  I had trouble with my words, but God was with us.  I was blessed with many students who were believers and trusted God...even in and especially in the darkness.  I can tell you that even though we were scared and confused, we worshiped in that tiny classroom.  God was with us.

Today I am sitting in my office, and I am recalling all of those feelings and all of those thoughts.  I am looking at pictures and watching videos of 9/11.  I'm sitting in my office, and I am praying for all of those families that have been impacted by the devastation that day.  Many people died that day.  Many people were seriously injured that day.  Today I am praying just as I did eighteen years ago.  I don't understand why, and I am having trouble with my words.  However, I turn to the Scriptures.  In Luke 18:1, the Bible says, "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that THEY SHOULD ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT GIVE UP."  The parable that follows is about a widow who was seeking justice.  The judge did not fear God, and he did not care what people thought.  However, the widow was persistent.  She did not give up.  She couldn't understand or see anything good taking place, but she kept on.

We may not understand what is going on, and we may not see anything good taking place, especially in the darkness.  However, we pray.  We pray knowing that God loves us and God hears us.  We pray knowing that God has not abandoned us or forsaken us.  We pray with the knowledge God gives us in His Word, not in our own fickle feelings.  Jesus says in the parable in Luke 18:7-8, "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?  Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.  However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"  Father, thank You for Your love and faithfulness.  Thank You for listening to our prayers.  Thank You for Your justice that you administer for Your children.  I pray that You will find me faithful in praying and not giving up.  And Father, I do pray for those who are hurting today, those who are grieving today over the tragic events that happened eighteen years ago.  I pray that You would speak to their hearts.  I pray that You would lighten the dark places, and I pray that Your love and grace and mercy would overwhelm them today.  In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.