The Only Side That Matters - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) December 8, 2023

The war between Israel and the Palestinian government, Hamas, has revealed deep divisions in communities across the world.

As Christians, how are we supposed to feel about it all? Even a cursory review of the Bible reveals the foundational role of Israelites in our faith. Our Savior, Jesus, was an Israelite, after all. Scriptures have also taught us to be careful how we speak of and treat the Israelites. Yet, it is difficult to see ordinary Palestinians suffer the brutal consequences of their government's decision to attack on October 7, 2023. It is hard to hear people speak of them with derogatory language and dehumanizing concepts, ignoring that God chose to make them in His image.

While people are busy choosing sides, I want to encourage you to pick the only side that matters - God's.

Remember that Jesus submitted Himself to God's plan for His life when the end came. Following in His footsteps and submitting to God's will is a mark of genuine Christianity. Personally, I have learned that my desires must always give way to God's will. Any time I have been stubborn about this (and it's been many times, sadly), I have regretted the choice and the resulting consequences.

Therefore, please pray for God's will to be done in this conflict. Be humble enough to acknowledge that you won't know what that is unless He tells you. Each time we proclaim the Lord's Prayer, we state "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, KJV). If you truly believe this, then ask Him to show you how to pray about the war in a way that glorifies Him. In so doing, He will give you the prayer points He wants you to lift up regarding this situation. He will also provide you with the scriptural understanding that you need. Only then will you be able to pray in alignment with His will and His word. And that will increase the effectiveness of your prayers.

Simply pray "Lord, Thy will be done. Please show me how to pray about this situation." Then wait and watch for God to teach you so that you are prayerfully working with Him and not against His will. He may instruct one person to pray for children in Gaza while telling someone else to pray for the hostages. To another, He may say, "pray for the leaders involved" while telling someone to pray for peace. The key is to allow God's Holy Spirit to direct you.

Do not take your cues from the talking heads on either side of this issue. They don't care about your immortal soul. Only God does. And if truly He is your God, then allow Him to lead and not your emotions.

God bless you and see you at noon EST for fellowship.