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I was speechless when I read this email from my dear friend:
We just arrived in Israel last night, and it feels so great to be here! The airport was nearly empty. It made me cry when the customs lady said “You do know we have a war here, right?” And we told her how much we love Israel. With tears in her eyes, she said, Thank you!
While visitors are fleeing Israel, she and her family remain focused as rockets are still flying around them. They’re busy stopping at shelters and nursing homes, bringing food, singing songs and bringing the love and hope of Christ to their broken hearts.
With supernatural courage, they draw from their unstoppable passion to serve Christ in war-stricken Israel. Meanwhile, back home we have our own wars against the evil that surround us. Battles and wars all have one thing in common—they stir horror and fear. But if we use God’s weapons, we’ll remain steady and firm.
Using God’s Weapons
When the terrain is rough and we’re exhausted fighting opposition from all sides, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV).
When our soul is at rest, comfort grows and confidence comes back.
When the attacks become fierce, weakening our resolve, “[God] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV).
The strength He gives endures through the pain, through the sadness and sorrow.
When our supplies dwindle, “…the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
With His riches, our days are filled with the abundance of His provision.
When we feel alone in the battlefield, this promise becomes our weapon: “…nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39 NIV).
Bombs of anguish may go off, death may surround us and hopelessness may threaten to invade us, but God’s love is with us to sustain, protect and renew our hope through Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Father, although You warned us that in this world there will be trouble, the anguish of those suffering intensifies the sorrow. Yet, we believe in the power of Your Word that will sustain us through the wars in distant countries and those near us. In Jesus’ name we pray.
What do you do when war rages?
Janet P. Eckles
Igniting Your Passion to Overcome
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