3/6/2022 Praying Through Battles ~Rev. Benjamin Chung

War is forever an aspect of life. For myself, we have ants infiltrating our house. Sometimes they enter through the lower level. Sometimes they crawl through the upper level. And it is sometimes a mystery where the point of access is or what they find attractive. They could swarm a piece of food that fell on the ground or the scraps in the compost bin. But not always. Regardless, we clean up the area and put out traps in what seems to be a feeble attempt to stop the ants from returning. Time to call the exterminator and check on that 7-year warranty and pray for no more ants in our house.

On a global scale, we see wars between counties, as Russia is invading and attacking Ukraine right now. May we apply the supernatural power of prayer for the people affected. Pray for believers and non-believers alike, as some fight for their country to be free from Russian control. Others, about 500,000 have already fled into the EU. Let us pray that a peaceful end comes soon. As I look outside and contemplate the relative peace we have here, where there is little to fear regarding the aspect of war, I am torn at the idea of not just threats of war, but missiles striking city centers. This makes the battle with ants in my house, rather minimal. Instead, this is a greater reason to intercede, as we have done with the 21 days of prayer. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

I encourage us to also pray for our families, especially our children! I am saddened to hear from some of my Christian brothers whose teenage children appear to have strayed from the faith— children who have professed their faith and have even been baptized! This is a reminder that baptism is not a form of salvation, but an ordinance (aka. order) given to us by Jesus, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Let us pray for all of God’s children to turn back to the faith and remain as steadfast disciples. Lest we think our salvation is secure because of baptism or church attendance, be reminded that salvation is evidenced through the fruit we bear and the life we live. Let us pray all the more in the name of Jesus. Amen.