October 2001

A Day of Calamity

By Germaine Copeland

Early morning of September 11, 2001, as thousands of people across our land were going to work, I sat at my desk preparing for a week of writing and relaxation. The scene outside the French doors was serene, the tranquil waters of Lake Oconee soothing, and I smiled as the white squirrel scampered along the ground underneath the hardwood trees.

Later in the morning, I turned on my television, only to see America under attack. Disaster had exploded in our country and plans went askew, as we beheld the unbelievable – the world as we knew it was suddenly changed, and we will never be the same.

Shock mingled with unbelief, as we sensed the anguish of fellow citizens on hijacked airplanes, the quiet terror of workers from more than 40 nations assembled at the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Suddenly we were no longer a nation divided, but a nation united, mourning the loss of innocent lives. We no longer asked who is our neighbor – we were participants helping one another. People from different backgrounds reached across religious and racial barriers, joined hands, comforting one another. What the enemy intended for evil, God turned to good.

How do we pray during a time of calamity? The pressures of the moment seem overwhelming. Turning to each other we find comfort and together we cry out to our God for help. Fear stands at the door, and we are aware of our need for a vital, personal contact with the Eternal God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. We question God; we may even be angry with Him, but then we remember, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” The God we know is not the destroyer.

There is no higher power than our God. His Word is the believer’s contact with Him, and He instructs us to put Him in remembrance of His Word (Isaiah 43:26). We remind Him of his promises by praying in agreement with the Word, which is His will. Learning His will, we add our faith – without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). He sent His Word to heal us and deliver us from all our destructions (Psalm 107:20).

Place your confidence in God’s Word while in the midst of processing your grief and suffering. We do not give up…we have small troubles for a while now…helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater…. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Circumstances change, but God remains the same. Believing God is a choice, not a feeling.

One of the most effective methods of communication with God is praying Scriptural prayers. While studying God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals creative prayers of petition. Write them down; present them at the Throne of Grace with thanksgiving. (In my book series, Prayers That Avail Much®, I have written prayers for many situations, including “Handling the Day of Trouble or Calamity.”)

Praying Scriptural prayers will drive away doubt and unbelief. Stand before your Father-God, humbly presenting your written Scriptural prayer, with expectancy. The words on the page will be transferred to the tablets of your heart, and become a vital part of who you are. God’s Word will not return to Him void – it shall accomplish that which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11).

Every time your emotions command your attention, pray Scriptural prayers aloud, and your faith increases. Prayer may change things, but more importantly prayer changes you, and you change things.

If you abide in Jesus, and His words abide in you, you can ask what you desire, and it shall be done (John 15:7). Stay in contact with your Heavenly Father through prayer, Bible reading and meditation. Our nation has awakened spiritually, and patriotism is rekindled. As we repent, seek God’s ways of doing and being right, He will heal our land. God bless America!


PRAYER

Father, you are our God and there is none greater than you. You are our refuge and high tower; a stronghold in these times of trouble. You are close to us, for we are broken hearted. You save us when we are crushed with godly sorrow, which leads us to repentance for our sins and the sins of our nation. Many are the evils that confront us, but you deliver us out of them all. We have joy with our trouble, because we know these ills produce patience, patience produces character, and character produces hope…you fill our hearts with love. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. (“Handling the Day of Trouble or Calamity, Prayers That Avail Much® Commemorative Gift Edition)


Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.

Continue to pray the Prayers of Commitment from Germaine’s Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition and ask to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.