Finding Peace in the Smoke: 25 Years After 9/11

Remembering September 11, 2001– 25 Years Later

Twenty-five years have passed since the morning of September 11, 2001, yet the images remain deeply engraved in our national memory: a passenger jet disappearing into a tower, flames pouring from shattered floors, frightened people running through smoke-filled streets, and first responders moving in the opposite direction—toward the fire, the danger, and those who needed help.

That Tuesday morning began like any other. People boarded airplanes, traveled to work, took children to school, and made plans for the days ahead.  I was on the phone with a client in New Jersey, and all of a sudden he was exclaiming, “What! What happened?”  His colleague had rushed into his office to tell him of the unfolding event, as they perceived it.  “New York’s been bombed he told me. We can see the smoke.” And with that, we hung up, and I rushed to a TV, tuned into the news reporting on the American Airlines Flight 11 that struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m.  Then at 9:03 a.m., to my horror, I saw the second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, hit the South Tower.

By the time American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., most of America was watching live coverage on TV; and only shortly after, at 10:03,  United Airlines Flight 93, intended to strike either the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House, was prevented from reaching Washington and crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after courageous passengers and crew members resisted the hijackers.

The Magnitude of Loss

By the end of the morning, 2,977 innocent people from 90 nations had been killed.

September 11 confronted America with the reality of evil, the fragility of life, and the limits of human security. Buildings thought to be immovable collapsed. Plans disappeared in an instant. Families were forever changed.

Yet amid the smoke, another story was unfolding—a story of courage, sacrifice, compassion, prayer, and light.

Courage in the Darkness

When thousands were rushing away from the burning towers, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and other rescuers were running toward them. They climbed smoke-filled stairwells carrying heavy equipment, guiding frightened strangers downward while they continued upward into increasing danger.

On that day, 441 first responders were killed, including 343 members of the New York City Fire Department, 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department, 23 New York City police officers, and 38 responders from other agencies. (911 Memorial)

They did not know whether the buildings would stand. They did not know whether they would return home. They simply knew that people were trapped and that someone had to get to them.

Their sacrifice reflects one of the highest expressions of human love: willingly placing one’s own life at risk for another. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

We honor those who died that day. We also remember the rescue, recovery, construction, medical, and relief workers who remained at Ground Zero and other attack sites in the difficult days and months that followed. Many later became seriously ill from exposure to toxic dust and debris. 

For the 25th-anniversary commemoration, an additional moment of silence is being added to honor those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. Their suffering reminds us that the cost of September 11 did not end when the smoke cleared.

Finding Peace in the Smoke

Smoke obscures our vision. It disorients us and makes familiar surroundings appear strange and frightening. Similarly, suffering can cloud our spiritual vision. When tragedy enters our lives, we may struggle to understand where God is, what He is doing, or whether peace will ever return.

“Where was God on September 11?”

God was where He has always been—sovereign over His creation, present with those who called upon Him, and working even when human eyes could not see His purposes. He was not surprised by the attacks, nor was He defeated by them. The same God who saw the suffering of that day had already entered human suffering through His Son.

Jesus never promised that life in this fallen world would be free from pain. He said plainly:

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33

That promise does not minimize grief. Jesus does not tell the brokenhearted to pretend that loss is unimportant. He does not say “get over it,” nor does He condemn tears or deny the reality of evil. Instead, He offers something the world cannot give: peace grounded in His presence and secured by His victory.

The peace of Christ is not the assurance that nothing painful will happen. It is the assurance that suffering will never have the final word.

Personal Suffering

Many people live within their own clouds of smoke. Some are grieving a loved one. Others are facing cancer, disability, financial loss, loneliness, war, persecution, broken relationships, or fear about the future. Circumstances differ, but the human heart still asks the same questions: Where can I find peace? Is there hope beyond this pain? Who can carry me when I cannot carry myself?

The answer is not found in greater human strength, perfect safety, political power, or material prosperity. All those things can be shaken.

True peace is found in Jesus Christ.

The Light in the Darkness

Each year, beams of light rise above lower Manhattan in remembrance of the fallen towers. The Tribute in Light is a moving symbol, but it also points toward a greater spiritual truth: darkness does not overcome light.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The darkness of September 11 was real. Evil was real. Death was real. But the compassion, courage, and self-sacrifice revealed that day demonstrated that evil does not possess uncontested power.

More importantly, the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ declare that sin, evil, and death have already been decisively defeated.

At the cross, Jesus willingly took the place of guilty sinners. He bore the judgment that we deserved. The sinless Son of God died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He did not merely offer an example of sacrifice—He accomplished our redemption.

The story of an American Airlines pilot who had expected to fly Flight 11 powerfully illustrates this truth. Steve Scheibner was scheduled for the flight but was replaced by a more senior pilot, Tom McGuinness. McGuinness died when the aircraft struck the North Tower. Scheibner has since spoken of living as “one who was spared” by a substitute who died in his place, and of the far greater Substitute who took his place at Calvary.

Read: Has Anyone Ever Taken Your Place?  An Amazing Account + A 9/11 Tribute 

Jesus took our place. He died the death our sins deserved so that all who trust in Him may receive forgiveness, eternal life, and peace with God.

The Freedom No Terrorist Can Take

September 11 was an attack upon American life and freedom. It reminded us that national liberty is precious and must never be taken for granted. Yet even the greatest earthly freedom is temporary.

• Political freedom can be restricted. 
• Financial security can disappear. 
• Health can fail. 
• Nations can be shaken. 
• Life itself can end without warning.

But the freedom Jesus gives cannot be destroyed by terrorists, removed by governments, weakened by disease, or ended by death.

Jesus frees us from the guilt and penalty of sin. He redeems us from spiritual bondage and gives eternal life to all who trust in Him. 

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

This is the lasting freedom every human heart needs.

The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We cannot save ourselves through morality, religion, patriotism, charitable works, or sincere intentions. Salvation is God’s gift, received by grace through faith in Christ.

Have you trusted Him?

• You may not understand every tragedy in this world, but you can know the One who has overcome the world. And although you can’t change your past, you can determine your eternal destiny.  
• You may be surrounded by smoke, but you can walk into the Light of the world.  And if you carry grief that others cannot see, you can cry out to the Savior who hears, understands, and saves.

Turn to Jesus. Believe that He died for your sins and rose again. Receive His forgiveness, His righteousness, and His gift of eternal life.

***If you do not know Jesus, click here now!***

Always Remember—But Never Without Hope

On this 25th anniversary, we remember the victims, the grieving families, the courageous passengers of Flight 93, and the first responders who ran toward danger. We remember those who labored in rescue and recovery and those who later suffered from illnesses related to their service.

We remember the terrible cost of evil—but we do not remember without hope.

The worst moment is never the last word for those who belong to Christ. The cross was followed by the empty tomb. Because His death was followed by resurrection, so can ours be. Sorrow can give way to joy. Darkness can surrender to everlasting light.

Jesus has overcome the world.  And because He lives, unshakeable hope remains—even in the smoke.

***If you do not know Jesus, click here now!***

Excerpt from the Book...

Why the Butterfly? A Book About Remembering

There are events that are forever etched in our memories, and yet there are others that quickly vanish.  If asked where you were at the moment you heard about the events of September 11, 2001, it’s likely you would quickly respond with details. You would tell where you were when it happened and with whom you shared your shock and sadness at the horrific events of that day.  Those who were alive on December 7, 1941 remember another attack on American soil. In fact, Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed the attack on Pearl Harbor as “a date which will live in infamy.”  Events like these are easily remembered, largely due to memorials held on their anniversaries.  So, other events that have occurred on the world stage are also easily remembered because of historical records. 

Equally, if not more important than remembering national and world news, is remembering the events, people, places,  etc. that touch our lives personally.  They might never be recorded in print or on video, but they have a greater impact on us and far more influence in directing our paths. 

Consider the people, places, and events that you hold dear, those that you count as important and memorable.  Perhaps they evoke precious memories that bring joy to your heart, or maybe they bring to mind memories of pain or sadness.   Whichever it may be, it’s likely that those memories continue to affect your life and significantly alter your path.  

Why is Remembering Important?

Our minds are a precious gift from God, and we are to use them to reason in God-honoring ways.  Our ability to remember directs our lives, and by allowing our memories to reveal God’s presence and faithfulness, we will remember rightly.  Then, when we experience difficult times or feel distant from God, we will remember that He is always there. He is faithful and true and is creating a beautiful mosaic of our lives—a mosaic designed according to His plan, and for His purposes.  

Learn the skills of rightly remembering, clear vision, and a devoted heart:  Why the Butterfly? A Book About Rightly Remembering

Read more:

The Worst Is Never The Last: Unshakeable Hope – 9/11 Tribute
Has Anyone Ever Taken Your Place?  An Amazing Account + A 9/11 Tribute 
Remember 9/11 – Cry Out to Jesus – The Answer for All Who Suffer (A MUST SEE VIDEO TRIBUTE)
Why Did the Terrorists Choose 9/11 to Attack?
Who Was the First Victim of 9/11?
The Light in the Darkness of 9/11
What to think on this 9/11?
Finding Peace in the Smoke
No Room for Jesus
Always Remember September 11, 2001 ( 9/11 Tribute Video )
A 9/11 Memorial Video Age-Restricted? Why