Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. (Acts 5:11)

On September 11, 2001, I was at work in downtown Buffalo, New York, when someone shouted, “Some airplane just flew into the World Trade Center!” Almost immediately, managers began to comfort their employees, as crying was heard in cubicles throughout the building.

All eyes turned to the television monitors, now playing the airplane scenes over and over. Within minutes of the first incident, it was evident we were under terrorist attack, as another airplane flew into the second tower.

Chaos took over New York City that day, and people mourned throughout the United States. Many lives were lost and what used to be the tallest buildings in the world became piles of debris. There was an overall sense of desolation in our country.

What happened that day was just a glimpse of what fear of the unknown can do to hearts. For some people, leaving their homes became a phobia. For others, it was flying on airplanes. Yet, for others, it was being in high-rises and riding in elevators. The Twin Towers and the lives that were lost have become reminders of what sin and hatred can do.

By God’s grace, our nation has healed from that great loss. Though fear tries to intimidate us, the love of God makes us stronger. We can always overcome darkness with light.

Let the Holy Spirit comfort you in times of great distress.

Luska Natali is a native of Brazil who is passionate about God, her family, learning new languages (she fluently speaks three), and meeting people.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.