Wars and Rumors of Wars

The newspapers are filled with articles and pictures of war. Every time you turn on the television the news broadcasts are filled with stories about war. When you hear people talking, it isn't long before you hear the subject of the war brought into their conversation. It seems that everywhere we turn, all we hear is talk about the war.

Many of us have friends or family members who have had to leave their jobs and families to enter the military because of the war. These are difficult and confusing days. If these are difficult and confusing days for adults, I know that these times must be difficult for children to understand.

Why do wars happen? I think that wars happen for the very same reasons that children get into fights on the playground:

• Someone has something and someone else wants it.
• Someone said something and someone else didn't like it.
• Someone is different and someone else doesn't like them.
• Someone is hurting others and someone needs to stop them.

That isn't the way God meant for it to be, but that's the way it is and that's the way it will always be until Jesus comes again to take us to heaven to be with him. (Matthew 24:6 and Mark 13:7) So, what can we do, and what should we do when there is war? I think there is really one answer -- PRAY!

PRAY for God's protection! God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

PRAY for God's for guidance! In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

PRAY for world leaders! [Pray] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:2-4

PRAY for our enemies! Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27

PRAY for peace! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure." Psalms 122:6

Heavenly Father, we don't understand all that is going on in the world today, so we turn to you in prayer. We put our trust in you to guide us through these difficult days. Amen.