There is evil in the world. This 14th anniversary of 9/11 is a testimony to this fact. Evil is the natural state of all humans. The streets of some major American cities appear no safer than the roads of Afghanistan. Evil, wicked actions are a part of life, whether we pass laws to the contrary or not.
It is comforting to know that the control and power of God extends even to the actions of evil men. We know this from many places in Scripture, here are two verses that speak to this issue:
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20
Here, Joseph was speaking to his brothers about the evil actions they had done against him. The truth is that even though his brothers sold him into slavery because they hated him, the Lord of the Universe was in control of their actions, to bring about good for them and for all of mankind.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
This verse would be meaningless if God is not controlling the actions of all men and events.
Therefore, safety lies, not in avoiding evil, but in being joined to God. Acts 17 states that God has set the boundaries where all men will live, and gives them their next breath, life, and all that they have, so that they would reach out and perhaps seek Him.
Thus, we can say that being safe is not a matter of where you are but who you are. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ makes you safe when evil intersects your life. Being safe is a by-product of knowing God. Anyone separated from God is the one who is not safe. Those who died on September 11, 2001, knowing Christ, were safe then, they are safe now, and they will be safe throughout all eternity.
Being safe is a matter of knowing God.
