“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
The Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City lost more people in the World Trade Center attack than any other church. Its pastor, Jim Cymbala, told how Jesus drew near to a young woman as she fled from the collapsing building:
“Janelle had visited our church several times and heard the gospel message, but she just wasn’t ready to give her life to Jesus. Then came September 11. She worked on the 50th floor in the WTC. Escaping down the stairs with a crowd of people, she stepped out around the 8th floor to take off her high-heeled shoes. As she did so, the North Tower collapsed, killing all in that stairwell, but somehow sheltering her alongside of it in a pocket of air. She was rescued 27 hours later.”
Janelle spent those 27 hours praying to the God she’d been keeping at bay. She repeated Bible verses she’d heard at church. And—like many who find themselves facing disaster—she promised the Lord she’d give her life to Him if He saved her.
She made good on that promise, doing so because God made good on His promise to her first.
“Janelle had visited our church several times and heard the gospel message, but she just wasn’t ready to give her life to Jesus. Then came September 11. She worked on the 50th floor in the WTC. Escaping down the stairs with a crowd of people, she stepped out around the 8th floor to take off her high-heeled shoes. As she did so, the North Tower collapsed, killing all in that stairwell, but somehow sheltering her alongside of it in a pocket of air. She was rescued 27 hours later.”
Janelle spent those 27 hours praying to the God she’d been keeping at bay. She repeated Bible verses she’d heard at church. And—like many who find themselves facing disaster—she promised the Lord she’d give her life to Him if He saved her.
She made good on that promise, doing so because God made good on His promise to her first.
Scripture Focus
2 Peter 3:8-18
Insight
God will touch your life, whether it be dramatically or discreetly. He will make good on His promise to never leave you or forsake you.
Bible In A Year
- Ecclesiastes 5-6
- Psalm 65
- John 5
