Wars and Rumors of Wars

Just as we are beginning to see our way to the other side of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we begin to hear about inflation & recession in the US. Now Russia is invading Ukraine, leaving devastation and bloodshed everywhere in that country and the repercussions are being felt around the globe. 

I am deeply troubled as many of you are about the current state of conflict in the world around us. We are overwhelmed with the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, and concerned that things are getting worse over there, as well as here at home. It’s heartbreaking and makes us feel helpless. What can we do?

Let’s look at what the Bible says.

Pray Fervently – It’s a first line of defense

Pray for swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and for as many lives as possible to be spared. Pray that God will exact vengeance on those who are at the root of this aggression. Pray this scripture over those in Ukraine. Above all, pray for God’s Will to be done.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:10-13

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalms 27:1-3,5

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Psalms 46:1-2,9

say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Isaiah 35:4

It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them. Deuteronomy 32:35 NIV

Refuse to let Anxiety Rule your Heart and Mind – God is in control of everything 

We shouldn’t bury our head in the sand, but perhaps we should limit the amount of information we allow into our lives through tv news agencies, social media, talk radio, and the like. When it’s too much, turn it off. Don’t worry about the stock market or inflation or how you’re going afford to put gas in your car. Lay your cares at the feet of Jesus. 

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Luke 12:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Look for Ways to offer Practical Help

Contact a local church body to ask about legitimate organizations who are providing assistance to the refugees in Poland and other countries. Support those groups financially if possible.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:37,40

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.  Proverbs 22:9

Remember God’s Faithfulness in the Past

It’s good to remind ourselves that God loves us and promises to rescue those who love and abide in Him. It doesn’t mean we’ll never be subject to the devastation that happens during wartime. But it does mean that God will always be there and will “cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.  Psalms 18:16-17,19

I will remember the deeds of the Lord ; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. Psalms 77:11

Don’t Be Frightened – God is not surprised

“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” Matthew 24:6-7

This isn’t the first unfair war and it won’t be the last. God knew all this before the beginning of the world. As the “End of the Age” approaches (Matthew 24-25), more calamities will take place worldwide. Don’t be caught off guard. Remember that God has already won.

So what will we do to help those affected by this senseless war? Pray without ceasing, help where we can, and trust God. Sounds like a plan!