Pray For Our
Leaders and Armed Forces
March 18, 2003
As you read these words millions of families are
worrying about the dangers of war. They are anxious about their
own welfare and that of their loved ones. Many said a tearful
goodbye to a husband, wife, father, mother, brother or sister
who were deployed to the Gulf Region. Those left behind wonder
if a terrorist attack will materialize here in the United
States.
During a time of war we must draw strength and
courage from God. Joshua struggled with fear when he
contemplated entering the Promise Land and fighting the
occupants. God saw Joshua's fear and said, "Have I not commanded
you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you
go." (Joshua 1:9).
Notice please that God commanded Joshua to be
strong and courageous and not to be terrified or discouraged.
How could such a command be obeyed? The answer is in the
remainder of the verse: God is with us. Yes we face a potential
terrorist attack, but God is with us. Yes, our troops and loved
ones are in harm's way, but God is with us. We must choose to
focus on the presence of God rather than the presence of danger.
Just as light dispels darkness, so God's presence dispels fear.
At such times you may feel helpless--like a
passenger in a helicopter watching two cars heading for a
collision. But you're not helpless. There is something you and I
can do to help make a bad situation better. We can and must
pray. We must pray for our President, leaders, troops and for
one another.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Paul said, "I urge, then, first
of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be
made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that
we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants
all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1
Timothy 2:1-4).
Please take a few minutes right now, and
throughout each day in the weeks to come, and pray for our
President, leaders and troops. Pray for the families who have
loved ones in harm's way. And pray for the people of Iraq who
will suffer because of a war.
Our God who is present is also faithful and will
hear and answer our prayers.
Locking arms,
Bill Perkins
Pray: For wisdom for our President and other leaders.
Pray: For safety, strength and courage for our troops.
Pray: For strength and comfort for the families of our troops.
Pray: For a sense of God’s presence with our troops.
Pray: For international peace.
Pray: God will use this conflict to bring people to Christ.
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