Faith and Global Concerns

This past week leadership decisions by our President and others led to escalated conflict between our nation and Iran. As I read about concerns about these interactions possibly leading to World War 3 it definitely gave me pause. I began to pray even more for our government leaders for wisdom and insight. I also admitted that it was scary and more than concerning.

Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed–or as the New Living Translation says “but don’t panic”. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. One of my friends posted on FB–let us pray that this is just a “rumor of war”. I like that addition and perspective. I live in a Navy town. Many of our MOPS moms are married to men in the military as well as many of the women in our church are active military. This hits home. One of my dear MOPS gals asked if we could get together to pray. As we gathered yesterday it became very real how these current incidents were impacting their families. It made the news even more real.

As we talked and shared it was evident that fear and uncertainty was trying to raise its ugly head. We began to pray for peace, protection and direction. During the prayer time I realized that we had to go higher than our political leaders and remember that our God is in control. I have read Matthew 24:6 many times. It is a sobering scripture. I did some research. There has been a war somewhere every year during the 20th Century! That also is sobering. Americans and Iranians do not hold a bigger share of the “fault” for all the war mongering. It is something innate to mans sinful nature. God is acutely aware of this. We are instructed to pray for peace–and then trust in the midst of it that God’s will and purpose will be accomplished.

I Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be save and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I urge us all to pray for our leaders. I ask you to pray for those deployed and those left at home–for their families–mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children. Give them courage and strength as they trust their loved ones to God’s care. Pray for the chaplains and other believers to be the light in the midst of the darkness and to share the news of this great gospel of peace.

Pray for unity in our nation. Naturally it seems impossible–but we have not because we ask not. Let us follow the instructions given in Matthew 24:6–and choose not to panic, but to trust our God’s timeline and sovereignty. Release your faith, reign in your fear and let us work while it is still day to share the love of and peace of Jesus Christ as He leads. I am glad we can look forward to heaven where we can perfect peace.