Redeemer Church Mauritius
According to global agencies, there are about 32 active conflicts in the world right now. Some are small, regional conflicts that we may not even know about. Others are dominating headlines and impacting the whole. When we see images of war, it is heart-breaking. The suffering caused to many innocents, especially the most vulnerable of all - children. There is the mass destruction of buildings and the physical and mental injuries to soldiers that many will never recover from. The death toll keeps climbing, each one representing a precious human life. We are not God, and we can never fully grasp all that God is and all that he thinks. And yet, there are some truths that we can hold onto even if we don’t understand it all. There are some anchors for the soul in the turmoil of war that can help us remain on an even keel and help us to pray effective prayers during these times.
1. The world is groaning
Romans 8:22–23 (NIV)
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
- Suffering now is like birth pains that promise a new life.
2. God’s character doesn’t change
Ezekiel 33:11 (NIV)
Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’
- God is compassionate and merciful. He does not take joy in suffering even when we think people deserve it.
3. The light shines brightest in the pitch-dark
John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
- People reach out to God in a crisis because the light shines brightest in the pitch-dark.
4. Does God take sides?
Romans 2:28–29 (NIV)
A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
- God’s people are people of faith – that’s the way it has always been.
- God is on the side of righteousness and justice.
5. The gospel must reach the whole world
Matthew 24:14 (NIV)
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
- Jesus said we must preach the gospel everywhere if we want to see the end of suffering.
6. How should we pray?
- We can pray for relief from suffering, wisdom for leaders, righteousness and justice and many other things.
7. Has God won the war for your heart?
- Every human heart is a battleground where either we rule, or we surrender to God. Have you surrendered in the battle for your heart?
Ask Yourself:
Have you surrendered in the battle for your heart?