Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

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“A Christian Response to War in Iraq"

As I write, coalition forces are within fifty miles of Baghdad, Iraq. A number of soldiers have been captured or killed and it is becoming increasingly obvious that Saddam Hussein is not going to cave-in and the military under his command is not going to surrender or defect in great numbers.

For the last ten or twelve hours I’ve been frozen as a writer, unable to add a single word to the paragraph above. At first, I thought it would be unnecessary to write much about the war because it looked like it would be over soon and the real issue would be the reconstruction of Iraq but that thinking proved to be premature. Now, I’m so caught up in the minute by minute television coverage it is a struggle to focus on the ordinary tasks of day to day living, working and of course, writing.

Stop! Larry, turn off the television for a few minutes.

This is so wrong. I need to think and pray about what is happening not just watch. This is not the best way to support our country or our troops or even the people of Iraq! So, Larry what should we do?

Like most Americans I have serious reservations whether we should be in Iraq... but this is not the time for protest. We elected our leaders to make difficult decisions. I believe we must support those decisions because thousands of men and women are laying their lives on the line for our country.

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They need to know we stand solidly behind them.

So what should we do? “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7, The Message)

U “Don’t fret or worry.” Watching the news non-stop will only add to our fears and accomplish nothing for our young men and women overseas or for the people of Iraq. Stop worrying.

U “Instead of worrying, pray.” This may not be a natural response to crisis but it is necessary. As Christians we are promised over and over again… God is listening. Start praying.

U “Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.” The act of forming words to illustrate your worries and then think of additional words to praise the God we serve. Pray.

U “A sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good.” This is a continuing promise God is in control… even in the midst of war. Prayer leads to trust.

U “…will come and settle you down.” Other translations simply use the word, peace. A sense of peace will come over you. God’s holy presence will calm your fears. Trust begets faith.

U “It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry.” This is my favorite part. Prayer always leads to action but we must first receive direction. Faith becomes good works.

So, Larry what should we do?

1. Pray: Around the country, millions have joined together to pray for members of the armed forces for the people of Iraq for our world leaders and for an outcome that will lead to peace.

2. Maintain our Schedule: We must not get caught up in the television coverage. The conflict will last longer than a few days. We must not give in to the fear caused by war and terrorism.

3. Support our Leadership: It’s certainly okay to have questions and doubts about why we are there but for now we must rally behind the decisions we freely elected our leaders to make.

4. Sacrifice Freely: Money and volunteerism will certainly be needed soon: both for the war effort and for the rebuilding of Iraq. We must be prepared to help those in need, generously.

5. Seek Justice not Revenge: We are eliminating a worldwide threat. We mean no harm to Iraq’s sovereignty as a country or their people. We do what must be done and get out.

6. Reexamine our Priorities: Life is a precious gift from God. In these times of uncertainty it’s important to remember that we exist on this planet for a purpose… Do you know yours?

7. Pray: We begin and end with prayer because we believe God is always in control.

Lord, help me to replace my worry with prayer… Help me to do my part and Lord, please bring peace.

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My friend Gerri has been awed by the number of prayers her friend received from members of the prayer team. Readers of my newspaper stop me every once in a while to talk about a particular column/devotion of yours they have taken personal strength from. Keep up the good work! God certainly knew what he was doing when he got you out of the used car business. Chris (from the Rabbit Creek Journal)

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Last modified March 25, 2003.

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