Keep Praying

This week I’m privileged to be spending most of the time with family and have kept this post brief but not because I think the message is any less important…

While we’re remembering to pray earnestly for wisdom for our nation’s leaders regarding the present crisis over Syria, there remains another deep concern for that area.  And that is for the people who have been and will continue to be affected.  Not only the tragic loss of life of more than 100,000 in civil war, but also the displacement of more than 5 million people.  Among these are many believers who especially need our prayers that the love of Christ will shine through them even as they endure untold misery, duress and bereavement.

Then, too, we should also pray for the Christ-less multitudes that are being affected by the war, that they would be open to the Good News in their otherwise hopeless and desperate condition. Let us persevere in asking the Lord for the believers among them to be faithful and courageous to share the message of hope with their neighbors at every opportunity.
 
In the midst of chaos and tragedy when hard hearts have been softened and the fickle props of materialism and false religion have failed, He often brings salvation and rejoicing.  In fact, as you may have witnessed or experienced yourself, it is in times of greatest fear, adversity and uncertainty that our deepest beliefs are both shaken and shaped.  As has been well said, “Man’s importunity is God opportunity.” 

Was it not while under oppressive and cruel circumstances of Roman oppression that Jesus told His disciples of the great opportunity that lay before them?  “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest?’  Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35). 
As for Syria and other numerous other places worldwide, war may be meant for evil by evil people, but God is able simultaneously to mean it for good.  In all things may He receive the glory.