By Steve Horn
ALEXANDRIA, La. – On Sept. 29, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaking at an event said, “The Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades.”
Without debating the accuracy of his assessment, his statement shows us how quickly things can change. David Jeremiah used the phrase, “a bend in the road,” to describe his diagnosis of cancer. I have used the phrase the “curveballs of life.” My own experience teaches me that life can radically change every time the phone rings.
Certainly, we are experiencing historical change. To what extent, time will tell.
My question for us today is “How are we going to respond?
Let me suggest three ways we must respond.
We must trust God. We must be people of peace, not panic. Others will be watching us. If we, people who describe ourselves as having peace because we know the Prince of Peace, panic in this moment, what happens to our testimony that we trust God? My favorite verse, as I have shared many times before is Revelations 19:6, “Hallelujah, the Lord, our God, reigns.” This is the exclamation point of Revelation and the exclamation point of history. I do not know what the next day holds, but I know this—whatever happens, the Lord reigns. I stake my life on that truth.
We must pray fervently. Our list grows by the day. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for innocent people caught in the war. Pray for wisdom for the leaders of Israel. Pray for the leaders of our own nation. We must pray for lives to be saved and souls to be saved. We must pray for Gospel advance among Jews and Palestinians. Pray this war softens hearts toward the only ONE who can truly bring peace. I think of the Apostle Paul’s words recorded in Romans 10:1, “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation.”
We must renew our commitment to be soul winners. I promise you this—war always increases the opportunity to be a witness. Someone is going to ask you, “What do you think about what is going on in Israel?” You can give a political answer or a Gospel answer. Don’t miss the opportunity to give a Gospel answer!
Steve Horn is the Louisiana Baptist executive director.
