Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…Stand firm, and you will win life.
Luke 21:10, 19 (NIV)
Father, the airwaves and newspapers are filled with coverage of the war in Iran. Images of communities and cities being bombed, buildings leveled, civilians fleeing for their lives is being burned into our consciences. The stated cause of this war is unclear to me though I have tried to gather bits and pieces from here and there. For me, it comes down to Christ’s declaration in Luke 21:10, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” We are indeed in the last days, and my soul cries out with John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Father, until that day when Christ breaks through the clouds I pray for my brothers and sisters who are impacted directly by this and all the wars that are raging in this world. I pray first and foremost for their safety and the safety of their families. Place a hedge of protection around them and keep them from harm. Provide for them the necessities of food, clothing and shelter, and give them a sense of peace in the midst of the mayhem, reminding them that You are in control. And please bring a speedy resolution to this conflict.
But most importantly, I pray that You would give them resolve to stand firm. In fact, give us all that selfsame resolve. Not to stand firm in our political, social or economic stances that will ebb and flow with whatever regime is in power in our countries, but to stand firm in Your Word, believing and trusting in You, ordering our steps after Christ’s steps, and living our lives in accordance with Your Word. Increase our knowledge of You, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for therein is life (John 17:3), and by doing so, no matter what happens on this side of eternity, we win to Your glory in Jesus’ Name. Amen.