“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”
– Deuteronomy 31:6
This month, the little ones are learning this Bible verse. No sweeter sound brings a smile to your face than to hear a three-year-old quote a scripture verse, especially when they attempt to say Deuteronomy (Do -ter- on- o- me) or, as a little one will quickly say, Do-ter-om-o-knee. As I listened to Pastor Tim share his heart about the war between Hamas and Israel, in my mind, I kept hearing the little ones saying, “Be strong and courageous.”
Conflict often brings with it fear. As the observers of the conflict, we have so many questions. Questions that we have no answers for. Why attack the innocent? What causes nations to rise against other nations? Biblically, we must hold onto and place our trust in God, who has chosen Israel as His people. This nation of Israel was purposefully designed by God. “Do not be afraid.”
Throughout their history, the children of Israel have faced battles, some of their own making due to disobedience, while other battles were the making of others. During those times, God was still at work. “For the Lord your God goes with you.”
Conflict often brings with it fear. As the observers of the conflict, we have so many questions. Questions that we have no answers for. Why attack the innocent? What causes nations to rise against other nations? Biblically, we must hold onto and place our trust in God, who has chosen Israel as His people. This nation of Israel was purposefully designed by God. “Do not be afraid.”
Throughout their history, the children of Israel have faced battles, some of their own making due to disobedience, while other battles were the making of others. During those times, God was still at work. “For the Lord your God goes with you.”
We, who are in a relationship with Jesus, have nothing to fear, for God is with us.
Today’s culture is so enamored with each person’s opinion, often considering each one as “truth,” that making a truth claim from a Biblical perspective is often seen as antagonistic. As Christians, we must be obedient to God’s directives, even if others see this as wrong or outdated.
So, how do you and I make an impact during this time of chaos? Pastor Tim shared these takeaways: don’t be afraid, watch, pray, and support.
We, who are in a relationship with Jesus, have nothing to fear, for God is with us. We are told to watch for Jesus’ coming. It should prompt us to pray for those of our family and friends who do not know Jesus as Savior, that their eyes and hearts would be open to the saving power of Christ. Take time to pray for those in Israel and Gaza who are innocent. Pray for protection and safety. Pray for wisdom for the leaders involved. Pray for peace!
Listen to the little ones' voices who remind us to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God goes with you.
So, how do you and I make an impact during this time of chaos? Pastor Tim shared these takeaways: don’t be afraid, watch, pray, and support.
We, who are in a relationship with Jesus, have nothing to fear, for God is with us. We are told to watch for Jesus’ coming. It should prompt us to pray for those of our family and friends who do not know Jesus as Savior, that their eyes and hearts would be open to the saving power of Christ. Take time to pray for those in Israel and Gaza who are innocent. Pray for protection and safety. Pray for wisdom for the leaders involved. Pray for peace!
Listen to the little ones' voices who remind us to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God goes with you.
Posted in Devotional
Tagged with crisis in israel, tim haring, be strong and courageous, deuteronomy 31:6, barb barnhart
Tagged with crisis in israel, tim haring, be strong and courageous, deuteronomy 31:6, barb barnhart
Recent
Archive
2023
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October