Intentions of Eternity – A Timeless Story, Seven Years Old

I woke up at 6am this morning, a good hour earlier than usual, and made it to Panera by 6:45am. We’ve started a new monthly get-together called Open Mic Mornings. Every month, we meet up, share coffee and bagels, and hear from a speaker on an eternal topic. Speakers have ranged from local business leaders, to Christian friends, to area Ministry leaders.

This morning, we were blessed by the presence of a local Salvation Army leader named Tom, who fittingly shared his experiences at Ground zero, seven years ago. The highlight of his story for me was his relationship with a firefighter named Mike, and I feel compelled to share it here.

Early one morning in the days after September 11th, the firefighter woke up, dressed for work, went into his closet and prepared his 9mm pistol with the full intention of taking his own life. Something made him stop... He put the gun away, and reported for duty at ground zero. He sought out and approached Tom and told him he had to talk. Mike went on to relay his story of guilt and despair.

On the morning of September 11th, Mike’s fire company responded to the World Trade Center and Mike was driving the truck. They were early responders and quickly realized the prime location of their vehicle’s parking spot was becoming more in demand for rescue efforts, so Mike’s commander asked him to move the truck a few blocks down. Mike complied, and just after he parked the vehicle the first building collapsed and killed every other person in his fire company…

“Why me”? Mike asked Tom, who was serving as Chaplain. Tom could only say that God must have a plan for Mike that wasn’t yet finished. Through Tom’s guidance, Mike accepted Christ as his savior a few days later, and just like that his eternal destiny changed. He felt compelled to become a Chaplain in the New York Fire Department and accomplished that goal by 2004, continuing his life’s transformation.

What an awesome experience, an incredible relationship, and an amazing outcome. Satan intended for Mike’s life to be ruined. God had a different plan.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen. 50:20 NIV)

The tremendous change in perspective that 9/11 brought was amazing. For a period of time, (a few days, months, or hopefully the full seven years) everyone had a new found clarity in life. People realized that relationships were more important than task lists and family was more important than careers. Satan intended this act of terrorism for harm, but in many ways God used it to open people’s eyes to eternity and what really matters…

In this fallen, wicked world, we know that we will have troubles (John 16:33). We also know that somehow, we should consider it pure joy when we face trials (James 1:1-2) because we will be made better for it (1 Peter 4:12-14), and God is great at using our trials for good, His good and perfect plans.

We can take great encouragement knowing that God is moving in many lives, like Tom’s and Mike’s, and he clearly intends great things with our lives as well.