When Your World Falls Apart (#346)

I used to be confident that if I played fair and worked hard, everything would turn out OK.

Then the World Trade Center —a symbol of power and wealth in America—crashed to the ground. A few suicidal fanatics who hated America managed to forever change the country and the New York landscape.

As I reflected on this tragedy, the foundations of my life looked shallow. Until then, I didn't have much use for God. Making and spending money were my main interests.

I have a friend who is a pastor and I turned to him in the distress of those days. He encouraged me to examine my life and suggested that God might be calling my name. He showed me a book in the Bible written some 2500 years ago. I'd never heard of the prophet Zephaniah before, but I took his advice and read that short book. I was glad I did. I made some fascinating discoveries.
I discovered that God tolerates our indifference and ill treatment of others only so long. Sometimes He uses catastrophic events to call people and nations back to Him.

I discovered that God deeply cares about all who turn to Him, and only fools blame God for disasters such as the attack on the World Trade Center.

I discovered that God was calling me to turn to Him, to repent of my indifference and to begin leading a life of service to others.

When my world fell apart, I heard God calling my name. I responded, giving my heart to Him. The change in my life has been almost as profound as the change in the New York skyline. My old friends hardly recognize me. My values have changed. I care more about people than things. I worship regularly. I was even baptized in my friend's church. My life hasn’t been easy but I have a sturdy peace that carries me through hard times.

If you think God is calling your name, don't turn away. Seek Him with all your heart. Learn more about the love of God and the gift of His Son, Jesus, by reading the Gospel of Mark, talking to a Christian and visiting a local church. You will be warmly welcomed.

He will quiet you with His love.
Zephaniah 3:17