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Lastly, since we do not know where or when evil forces may strike again, I urge you to continue to pray that God will keep our nation and each of us from evil. Ultimately, only God has the power to keep violence and hatred on this scale from succeeding. We must plead, then, for protection from the evil that is now so nakedly apparent—in the world, in others, and in our own hearts.

One comfort for Christians at times like this is that our faith is matter-of-fact about evil. The Bible calls it sin. We know that it is real and ubiquitous on this planet, and we know that our Savior came to rescue us from its grip now and from its consequences for eternity. In fact, the night before Jesus gave Himself up as a sacrifice for our rescue, He comforted His friends with spiritual advice that was large enough to account for both the joy and horror in life. He said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Setting aside our sorrows for a moment, I urge you to remember that what counts most hasn't changed at all since September 11. Truth is still truth. Love still endures (and ultimately wins over hatred). And God still answers prayer. Join with me and millions of others in beseeching Him for peace, justice and healing for our nation and our world.

Bruce Wilkinson, founder and former president of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries (walkthru.org), is author of The Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of the Vine, currently New York Times bestsellers.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Bruce Wilkinson's bio can be found at The Prayer of Jabez Web site.

Multnomah Publishers has information on The Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of the Vine, including reader reviews.

For in-depth and continuing coverage of the attack's aftermath, see The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Yahoo full coverage.

For more Christian perspectives and responses, see various articles posted on Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, and Beliefnet.com.

The Text This Week, a resource for pastors, has collected sermons and reflections in response to the Sept. 11 events.

Christianity Today's previous essays and articles on Christian response to the September 11 attacks include:

Judgment Day | God promised that calamity would follow disobedience. So why are we quick to dismiss it as a reason for the September 11 attacks? (Sept. 25, 2001)

Now What? | A Christian response to religious terrorism. (Sept. 21, 2001)

To Embrace the Enemy | Is reconciliation possible in the wake of such evil? (Sept. 21, 2001)

After the Grave in the Air | True reconciliation comes not by ignoring justice nor by putting justice first, but by unconditional embrace. (Sept. 21, 2001)

Taking It Personally | What do we do with all this anger? (Sept. 14, 2001)

Reflections on Suffering | Classic and contemporary quotations for dark times. (Sept. 13, 2001)

When Sin Reigns | An event like this shows us what humans are capable of becoming—both as children of darkness and of light. (Sept. 13, 2001)

A Wake-Up Call to Become Global Christians | The deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Fear and Hate | In times like this, as in all other times, Christians have a responsibility to love above all else. (Sept. 11, 2001)

God's Message in the Language of Events | In the face of evil, we must focus on keeping our hearts right. (Sept. 11, 2001)

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September (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45