By Steve Horn
ALEXANDRIA, La. – For me, today has the feeling similar to 9-11 or the beginning of the Gulf War when Iraq invaded Kuwait. In fact, a handful of my high school friends participated in the Gulf War. The U.S. counter began on a Wednesday night, which was our worship night for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As several friends and I left the dormitory for our meeting, we met a regular attender who was headed the opposite way. When we asked about his coming, I still recall his incredulous response, “Don’t y’all know there’s a war going on?”
We did, but we felt the best place to be was gathered with other Christians doing what we usually did on Wednesday evenings.
I feel the same way today.
What can we do? We can all pray. I join countless others urging prayer and more prayer. Pastor, consider a special prayer time during your Sunday morning worship service to praying specifically about these current events.
Second, we can be people of peace. The watching world needs to see Christians as people of peace and not panic. I am reminded of Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”
Third, let me encourage you to stand on the promises of God. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 21:1 that, “A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses.” Personally, I find rest in Revelation 19:6, where John proclaims. “Hallelujah, the Lord reigns!”
Steve Horn is the Louisiana Baptists executive director.
