WARS—FAITH OVER FEARS
The biblical word of God says: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen” (Matthew24:6). Yet when mass media reports about wars and threats of wars, even some of God’s people become fearful. Nevertheless, the Bible gives insights into how faith in the Lord God may overcome fears.
WARS CAUSE MANY PEOPLE TO FEAR
Knowing about the pain and devastation of wars, people are apt to be afraid when they hear of wars and rumors of wars. The Bible gives us example of how an approaching war caused even some of God’s people to be alarmed and fearful. Some people of Judah came and told King Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom [involving many allies]. Fearing he and his people could not handle the situation,, Jehoshaphat was “alarmed.”
To deal with fears and threats of war, people today may react in various ways. Some may try to ignore or deny them. Others may protest in the streets. Still others may write to people in power. It is questionable how effective these and other human actions are without the compassionate invisible help of God.
FAITH IN GOD IS SHOWN TO OVERCOME PEOPLE’S FEARS
The Bible uses Jehoshaphat and Judah again as an example of God helping people with faith in God overcome their fear of war: “Alarmed Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all [Judah]. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him…[The Lord God told them] ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another” (2 Chronicles 20:22)..
HOW OUR FAITH CAN OVERCOMES OUR FEARS
Our Lord God has set a day when he will make a new world of love and peace for his people (Revelation 21:4; John 3:16).
But even in this current evil world, our loving and Almighty God said “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[ have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Yet while our Lord God impacts the thoughts and abilities of world leaders from his throne in heaven for our good and his glory (Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 47:8); he encourages his people to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (2 Timothy 2:2). Amen.
