Have you been despairing, feeling helpless as war rages in Israel and the Ukraine?
I have. And like you, along with millions of other people, am consistently praying for mercy, protection, comfort, and strength for people, trapped in the living nightmare of an evil aggressor.
I have watched appalled and brokenhearted the atrocities committed against innocent women, children and the defenseless elderly. And I have grown frustrated and angry over how long a reasonable and lasting resolution to these troubled times is taking.
Then, the Lord led me to read the words of Proverbs 21:1, and I added something more to my prayers.
If God can turn the heart of a single king wherever He will, like a stream of water in His hand, surely He can turn the collective hearts of the world’s democratic leaders likewise. He can turn their hearts, make them fearless of political retribution, and move to take more significant action. He can use them to save the Israeli people from the cowardice of Hamas and the Ukrainian people from the clutches of the Red Bear.
Now my prayer, along with pleas for mercy, protection, strength, and the courage to hupomeno (Greek; to remain, endure spiritually), is this:
Oh, God, have You not shown Yourself mighty to save Your people again and again in the infallible truths of Your Word?
Can you not do the same now? You are immutable. You have not changed. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever omniscient (all-knowing!) and omnipotent (all-powerful!).
Will you not? Reveal to us where hostages are being held captive. Show us your strength as You have done before! Supernaturally change the hearts and minds of the oppressors and grant the kings of this world the wisdom and courage they need for the living of these days.
I wait with joyful expectation for You, El Shaddai, the God of angel armies, to act in ways far greater than I could ever ask or imagine. I will sing and praise Your power among the nations! To You, Savior God, be all glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.
That’s what I’m praying these days. What say you?
