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praying about war

Ezekiel 38:14-16 (JDV)

Ezekiel 38:14 “Therefore prophesy, son of Adam, and say to Gog, ‘This is what the Lord Yahveh says: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know this
Ezekiel 38:15 and come from your place in the remotest parts of the north – you and many peoples with you, who are all riding horses – a huge mob, a powerful army?
Ezekiel 38:16 You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days, Gog, that I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me when I show myself sacred through you in their sight.

praying about war

Sometimes when we look at war, it all seems so meaningless and unnecessary, inflicting pain and chaos in such a way as to defy explanation. Most wars are like that, but not all. The battle Ezekiel describes will happen because God wants the nations to know him — to see how he defends his people.

We should always seek peace, and try to avoid confrontations and violence. But when wars happen, we should also pray for God to prevail, and for his gospel to become known.

LORD, we confess that we fear war, and we ask you to prevent it — and stop the ones that are taking place. But may you be glorified in all things.