Even Bad Things Can Result in Good

Even Bad Things Can Result in Good

Dear Editor:

Now we know how our parents felt when the news came of the attack on Pearl Harbor. As I was only three at the time, I could never fully grasp the impact that dastardly assault made on the conscience of our nation. Today I do understand, because I have lived to see the attack on New York and Washington by another cowardly enemy.

As traumatic as World War II was, great and positive good came from it. Two great aggressor nations were soundly defeated and left in broken and penitent ruins. The necessity of the hour turned our nation into a super power. The fiery furnace of war turned a generation of green young men into heroes and leaders. Our industrial might has ballooned from that of a state to that of an empire. The heart of the American people turned back to God. In their endangered state, our people realized their need for Jehovah. People learned to pray again, to look to God for the help they desperately needed. Churches were filled. Lives were purified and sacrifice and service because daily aspects of life. Following our victory we went back to Germany and Japan and helped them rebuild their shattered nations. Our Christian heritage stirred us do so.

Yesterday another vicious, hate-filled enemy struck our nation. The dead and wounded will number in the thousands. Our national security was breached and symbols of our nation's greatness were destroyed. A grievous wound was inflicted, but it was not fatal. At this very hour the wheels of retribution are in motion and ere long retaliation will overtake and punish those who are responsible for this attack.

Hopefully, this painful event will help us in the same way Pearl Harbor did an earlier generation. This disaster can remind us of spiritual truths and dimensions of life that many have forgotten. It can help us get our personal priorities straight. It can drive us to our knees in humble repentance. It can put mettle back into our national resolve. It can restore a neglected and sagging patriotic love for our country. It can motivate us to make the necessary sacrifices to break the back of the Moslem fanatics who have made war on us. It can reunite a people who have been splintered and fractured by self-serving politicians and demagogues.

As Scripture says, "All things work together for good" to them that love God (Rom. 8:28). "Blessed is the nation who’s God is Jehovah" (Ps. 33:12.

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