03/07/2022
We watch yet again as Christians face adversity and suffering. We see the Ukrainian believers set upon by evil men who seek to conquer their neighbors, and subjugate others. Even as the bombs fall and the rockets streak across the Ukrainian night sky, we watch our brothers and sisters in Christ praying for relief, and for deliverance from this horde. They are not alone, and we also see the Christians in Russia praying for peace, and the recall of their countrymen, the Russian troops. Evil… it knows no borders, nor language barriers, and the suffering that comes as a result of it cuts like a double edged sword. So where is God in the midst of such human travail sadness, and suffering? We find Him right there in the heart of it saying “Turn to me!”, “Return to me!”… “lean on me!” In our weaknesses and desperation, we find strength in Christ.
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV
In this way we find the ability to pray for our enemies; not that they be made stronger in their ability to cause further pain and suffering, but that the evil one will be driven from them, that the gospel message we deliver will take hold, and that they will be transformed. We pray also that our own belief and faith will be strengthened so that the impact of our righteous lives will be greater on those who torment us. Loving and praying for our enemies. Calamity is our test of faith, and hatred draws us into the depths of sinfulness…
““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
Luke 6:27-28 ESV
God had not abandoned us, nor has he turned His face from us. He is there in the heat of every battle, and in the suffering of the evacuees who flee the horror that is pursuing them. He is calling out to us, telling us to lean on Him, and promises that by exercising our faith He will restore us.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
So let’s speak out against today’s atrocity, pray for the deliverance of our brothers and sisters in Christ, pray for the faith of those who are mourning, and suffering. In keeping with the gospel, and not withstanding their evil nature, let’s pray for the spiritual transformation of those who are the aggressors, the enemies of peace and godliness.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for taking what is evil and harmful in the world, and using it to increase us in our faith. Thank you for giving us peace in the midst of the world’s great horrors, and for teaching us that we can love in the throes of our suffering because we to have overcome the world… even as Jesus has overcome it. Our fear and hatred made impotent by our faith, and our firm trust in God’s Word. For us death is left powerless because your promise to us is eternal life, joy, peace, and goodness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who walks with us through every valley. Praised be your name, especially in our suffering. Your mercy is poured out on us in the worst of our circumstances and at the height of our sorrows, mourning, and pain. Your grace calms us, and gives us your peace when good seems to be so far away, and evil is pursuing us like a wolf. Lift us up now Father, and wash us in the blood of Jesus. Cleanse us of all sin, and find us worthy on the day of Judgement.
Hear us today as we pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukrainian, and give voice to those of faith in Russia who oppose this evil war against a peaceful neighbor. Banish the demons from their positions of power, and restore peace, confirm faith, and establish your Son Jesus as Lord in these war torn places.
“I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you and will confirm my covenant with you.”
Leviticus 26:6-9 ESV
Rich Forbes