This post, though not about Northern Nigeria, Boko Haram or the Chibok Girls specifically,  was written the day that President Trump decided to launch airstrikes against Syria, for their use of chemical weapons against the people of Syria. It was literally written as the news was coming in. Now, weeks later, may we continue to pray for all those involved– and always realize that praying to the King of Kings is the most powerful thing that could ever be done, during times such as these. 🔹 

When looking at recent world events, there are no words.

As the Syrian chemical attacks, reportedly perpetrated by the Syrian government against its own people, were plastered on main-stream media, one could not help but be mortified. Dead children were held in their father’s arms; he buried them along with his wife, as he wailed. People were found gasping for air, as Sarin gas kept soft muscles from working properly and tightened their chest cavities. “No one is doing anything to stop these gas attacks,” said Dr. Shajul Islam, a doctor on the front lines, in a video documenting the treatment of those who had been attacked (viewable here).

“I would show you the evidence again and again, but you know what, the world doesn’t care, and no one is doing anything. We urge you to put pressure on your governments, put pressure on anyone to help us,” pleaded Dr. Islam, as gurney upon gurney poured into their hospital.

Believers, these victims of Sarin and Chlorine gas attacks are people whom other people love deeply.
Most of all, these are people Jesus Loves more deeply than anyone else. People Jesus died for.

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed” (Lamentations 3:22). “Consumed” by Jennifer Hansen.

Upon watching and listening to this heartbreaking event, the painting, “Consumed” by Jennifer Hansen, came to mind. It evokes feelings of desperate rage… of humankind, and all of Creation’s need, for someone to save them.

We need healing. Restoration. To be freed from the decay that sin has brought, and is bringing.

Yet, just as the painting above expresses, we are helpless to save ourselves, being consumed by this evil, suffocating contagion that we all have. Sin.

It is easy to get angry. It is easy to It is easy to play the blame game– and those who are responsible MUST be brought to full Justice.

As the United States has decided to do something– to send airstrikes on Syria, in the regions where the chemical weapons have been stored–

We, as Believers, can do something. Something that will absolutely do the most good.

We can pray.

Why Pray?

While many may read the above line and scoff in annoyance at the “cliched Christianness” of it all, it is true, none the less.

When King Solomon prayed to God over the Temple the LORD called him to make, he said some profound, famous words (1 Chronicles 6:21, 32-33), asking God to hear every Israelite who called upon the name of the LORD in the Temple, and to forgive them (1 Chronicles 6:21). King Solomon even asked the LORD to hear and answer foreigners who prayed to God in His Temple.

Solomon knew the power of God, and called upon Him to listen to anyone who prayed toward Him in His Temple– because, at that point, that was where His Presence was. Think about it: Because of what Jesus did on the cross, Believers can now “Approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” themselves, to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV). We, as Believers, sons and daughters of the King, can come to the Creator of it all– the One who is Sovereign over the highest Kings and Rulers– and He listens to us.

Not only this, but one must remember that Christ is indeed Sovereign, even over the affairs of Presidents and Kings. “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him” (Proverbs 21:1, NIV).

It was Solomon himself who said, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31), and it was his father, King David, who declared, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7, NIV).

He, the King, prayed.

During a tumultuous time such as this, let us, too.

Do you know Jesus?

Events like this point to humanity’s brokenness in obvious, heartbreaking ways. We are in deep need of saving.

But unlike what much of the world likes to think, humanity cannot ultimately heal, or save themselves– or one another, as ages upon ages of failed societies, centered around false gods, have proven (Isaiah 41:5-7).

But the situation is not hopeless. There is a God in Heaven– a God who decided, because of His deep Love for the world He created– to enter the brokenness humans created, to suffer the ultimate consequence that humanity deserved– all so that they would be set free. Saved.

He is, always has been, and always will be, the ONLY One who can save.
Read more about, and meet Him, here.

“Dear Lord Jesus,

We come to You. Thank You, that we can come to You. Run to You.

We run to You, today, Lord Jesus, and we pray over each person who has been suffering from the effects of war. We know that You are in control, dear Jesus.

So, as Your Children, we pray in Your Name that You would relieve these people of their suffering, soon. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV). As the suffering in Syria continues, we pray, in Your Name, that those suffering from the death of their loved ones would hear Your Voice; we pray that they would know that You are who they need, and that they would come to You, and know You as Lord, and Savior.

Lord Jesus, we pray over President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against the Syrian bases that hold chemical weapons. As this incredibly complicated, even shocking event has happened, we pray that those who are witnessing these events would run to You, and would know You as their Lord and Savior, as well. “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him” (Proverbs 21:1, NIV). Dear Jesus, YOU are the One who is Sovereign over President Trump, Putin, Assad, and every other major leader who is apart of this string of events. Please give President Trump, and Vice-President Pence, a heart for You, as well as Putin and even Assad. Please, lead and guide these men… and keep them close to You, as we await the (prayerfully, soon!) day of Your Return.

Please protect, guide, and calm Your Children. “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, NIV). Keep Your Words of comfort, said in a time of extreme distress, deep within the hearts of Your People, dear Jesus.

Dear Jesus, we also thank You for the people working with non-profits, helping refugees on the ground. Please, Lord Jesus, continue to sustain the work of these people; please bless those refugees in other surrounding countries, with the spiritual nourishment they need in knowing You personally, as well as whatever they need physically. 

Thank You, Oh Lord Jesus!

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen.”

After prayer, and as we continue to pray, there is another thing we can do: Give. The suffering in Syria still continues. And as this whole thing has unfolded, and continues to unfold, there will no doubt be a HUGE need for donations to aid organizations and hospitals. Oxfam America, Catholic Relief Services, and Bibles For Refugees are working with Syrian & Iraqi Refugees, or are directly in Syria, and are all reputable organizations. Thirsty Ground International, a smaller non-profit based in Texas, is also working with refugees, and is a non-profit ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY highly recommends.

Thank you for your prayers and support! Please continue to pray for Syrian refugees, and those currently in Syria.