A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this story on Sept 11th, 2003. His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
A few weeks before Sept 11, 2001, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She had planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her.
Shortly after I said “Amen”, we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but she still missed her flight. We were both very upset as we drove back home.
I then received a call from my father who was retired FDNY (Fire Department in New York). He asked what my wife's flight number was. I told him and explained that we had missed the flight. My father then informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower of the World Trade Center. I was too shocked to speak.
My father also had more news for me…he was going to help with the rescue efforts. He said, “This is not something I can just sit by for, I have to do something.”
Of course, I was concerned for his safety; but more so because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, “Take good care of my grandchild.” Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly turned to anger…anger at God, at my father, and at myself. I went nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away…my son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye.
Then, months later, something happened. I was at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple holding a small child.
The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, “I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.”
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been trapped under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her.
My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, “There is something else you need to know.” His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and lead him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.
Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves.
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so mother and baby could live.
This story should help us to realize two things:
First, that though it has been years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. Second, and most important, God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL!
Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love. You may never know the impact it may have on someone.
- 2Jesus.org
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Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 ESV
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 ESV
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Proverbs 16:4 ESV
The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand… Isaiah 14:24 ESV
That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things. Isaiah 45:6-7 ESV
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-11 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
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 ESV
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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