As a Christian, I know I’m supposed to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), forgive my enemies (Matthew 5:44), and love everyone (Mark 12:31), but the fallen nature side of me struggles to do those things consistently. I know the Lord says, “Vengeance is Mine,” and that I’m to leave that to Him, but I struggle to let go of these negative thoughts and emotions, especially when I feel “justified.”
For example, a leader of a foreign country who is killing thousands of innocent people for no other reason than to establish his power over others. It’s all ego (IMO). How do we pray for someone like that? Asking God to have the man killed doesn’t feel very Christian-like, but short of dying, what else could make this man stop what he’s doing?
The answer of course is that God can make that happen. So why isn’t He? I don’t know, only God knows and He doesn’t owe me an explanation. He doesn’t need to share His plan with anyone. And, I have no right to question Him.
Rest in God’s plan
I know and can rest in that God does have a plan. Everything happens according to His plan and for His purposes and glory. And, everything happens in His perfect timing. I also know that God is a just God. So, I keep praying for the people of Ukraine.
I could just throw my arms up in the air and say, “what’s the point? It’s all up to God and He’s going to end the war in His time.” But that’s not biblical. He wants us to pray for others, petitioning and interceding on behalf of our brothers and sister. He wants us to take our desires and needs to Him. He wants to hear from us, for us to engage in conversation with Him.
People rebel against God all the time because He let something happen. I get it. It’s difficult to think clearly when we’re hurting and it’s easy to lash out at the One who could’ve prevented the undesired outcome. However, our individual lives don’t exist in a vacuum. Each of our lives is intertwined. Each action causes a reaction. Only God can orchestrate something so intricate. We have to trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5).
Pray for the rebellious
This week we’re praying for those whose rebellious acts are hurting themselves and/or others. Those who are rebelling against their parents, teachers, anyone in authority, especially against God. This includes those who are refusing God’s free gift of salvation.
Please send me their initials if you have anyone specifically for us to pray for, and keep these people in your prayers: J.H., B.W., L.R., N., K.D., W.Y., T.Y., E.Y., D.E., K.H., B.Z., S.H., W.K. You can leave a comment below, or contact me here.
Bible Verse of the Day
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19 ESV
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we give it all up to You. We give You our anxiety and pain. We give You our anger and resentment. Lord, we trust You completely with our lives and rest in the knowledge that You have a plan for each of us. Father, please help those struggling with any of these emotions, rebelling against those who love them, against You. We lift up those mentioned above and present them to You that You might help them with their defiance. Please soften their hearts and quiet their minds. Let the peace of Your love fill them.
Lord, Father, we continue to pray without ceasing for the people of Ukraine. We may not understand Your plan, but we rest in the knowledge that You know what’s best and that everything happens for a reason.
Lastly, Lord, we pray on behalf of the people of Morocco that You would draw them into Your loving arms. Please use this time of prayer and fasting to reach their misguided souls. Send believers to them. Send them visions of Your perfect love and the sacrifice Your Son made for all of our sins. Let them know that faith alone is all they need, that there’s nothing they can do to earn their salvation. They only need to confess with their mouths and believe in their hearts that Jesus is Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
