Surely you've seen the news: Iraqi people are being persecuted. And "persecuted" is a much more palatable way of saying kidnapped, beaten, raped, tortured, and gruesomely murdered. Women and girls are being captured and raped. Children are being beheaded. The elderly and infirm are starving and thirsting to death as they flee for their lives. The group responsible for these atrocious acts (that seem to be straight out of Satan's handbook) is called ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham). If you can believe it, ISIS is said to be even more powerful than Al Qaeda. They are more destructive, more militant, and horrifically bent on wiping Jews, Christians, and {purportedly} other religions who don't subscribe to Sharia Law off the map. Forever. And while this is in another country, on another continent, thousands of miles away, it has everything to do with us. "Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured." Hebrews 13:3 While it may not be us who are being told to "Leave, Convert or Die!" we can still carry the burden of our brothers and sisters who are being told this very thing. Perhaps we aren't facing the horror of watching our elderly loved ones starve to death or die of dehydration because they simply cannot take refuge elsewhere. And Praise God that we are not forced to make the unthinkable, unconscionable choice of whether to watch our children starve to death, be murdered by ISIS or throw them off a mountain to spare them the suffering. But somewhere, there are countless who are. Headlines, social media and news blurbs sterilize the very real horror that is occurring half way around the world. I {Mandy} couldn't stop crying the other night when I saw the headline about parents throwing their children off a mountain. I couldn't read the article at first. I promised myself I wouldn't because I knew what would happen: It would consume me, it would haunt me. But, I eventually did read it and I was exactly right; it did consume me. I sat on my bathroom floor, sobbing, for what seemed like hours. I felt ruined for them. Heartbroken. Devastated. And helpless. What can I do? I'm a 37-year-old suburban mom living in America--the Land of the Free. My greatest struggle lately has been time-management, stains on the carpet, and what to make for dinner. Aside from some mild illness and some skinned knees, we live a perfect, idyllic life. And I threw my hands up in the air and said, "God, I'll pray." And I did. And sadly, praying so often feels like a last resort, but in actuality, coming before the Throne of God and sharing our most intimate thoughts, fears, and concerns shouldn't be a last resort--it should be our first course of action. All of my hand-wringing, crying, and heartache did nothing to actually carry my sisters and brothers in Christ's burdens. It only created more angst in me. But by getting on my knees and pouring out my heart to God--the only One who can truly make a difference--I am enacting His power (Matthew 18:18-20). The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. 1 Timothy 2:1-8, MSG What if we don't know how to pray? How does one really pray for the awful things the Iraqi people are facing? In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27 And probably the most encouraging of all scripture I've ever read about praying is this: Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there. Matthew 18:18-20, MSG When 2 or more on Earth are praying about something....God goes into action. I love that. And we may not see or understand His "action" but we can be sure it will be in line with His will and His ultimate plan. And I can think of nothing better than being a part of completing His ultimate plan!
Whether He changes what we ask Him to change, He offers comfort to those who are being persecuted and/or changes us, He is still in control and our prayers are valuable and necessary. So, today, let's pray for those in Iraq and those in Israel and all over the world who are being persecuted. Let's go before the Father on their behalf. Let's be DELIBERATE in recognizing our sisters and brothers in the world who need us. As much as I hate to think about it...there may come a time in our life when we need the same. And remember...the Truth is...that no matter how bleak our world is today and how much evil seems like its winning, we have the authority of the Words of Jesus to reassure us that it isn't and it won't: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Father, You know our hearts. You know those who are being abused and killed and persecuted simply for loving You and refusing to turn away from You. We feel helpless and inadequate to pray for or help these people in any way. Please give us wisdom to know how to pray. Please give us the words to say. We pray for the persecution to end and the offending factions to be removed. We even go so far as to pray for the offenders to meet You and give their lives to You. We ask that you will shield the children and the weak and those who cannot defend themselves. Please offer them protection and strength. Please help us to be aware of how we can be of help. And please let us continue to remember our brothers and sisters in prayer and bring them before You daily. In Christ's precious name we pray, Amen. Other great posts about this horrible situation: DW's own Ginny on her blog Joy From Grace We are THAT Family. 5 Ways To Talk To Your Kids About Terrorism |
This space is reserved for Founder Mandy's perspectives and viewpoints of Scripture. Man is fallible, but God is not. It's strongly encouraged that you study the Scripture for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your understanding.
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