March 24, 2003
TOGETHER:
Remember in these days, we are loved
___Like many other Americans, for months I have prayed that God would grant wisdom to our nation's leaders as they wrestled with life and death decisions about armed conflict in Iraq.
___Now that the decision has been made and the conflict has begun, how should we respond? We should continue to pray without ceasing.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___I urge Texas Baptists and all people of faith to join me in praying for President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, General Tommy Franks and other leaders of our nation. Ask God to give them keen wisdom and steadfast courage. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we should intercede "for those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:2)
___Pray earnestly for the brave men and women in our armed forces. Pray that God will protect them and use them for his purposes. Pray for their families, that God will grant sustaining grace and comfort. Pray for God's people who will minister to these families while their loved ones are away.
___We find comfort in the divinely inspired words of the psalmist: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV)
___The psalmist continues: "Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:4-6)
___In a world of biological terrorism, smart bombs and chemical weapons, these ancient words take on new relevance. Pray for the safety of our nation. And pray for the innocent citizens of Iraq who are caught in the midst of a conflict not of their choosing.
___Sometimes imperfect means must be taken to protect the innocent, resist evil and hold accountable those who would abuse others. No act of violence is within God's perfect will, but we ask for his guidance and grace that innocent lives will be spared and that justice and mercy will be accomplished.
___We should pray for our enemies, as Jesus taught us to do. Our Lord commanded us, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45)
___Pray also that in the midst of war we will not forget to pray for peace and work to that end, knowing that the Savior we serve is the Prince of Peace, and he calls us to that elusive goal.
___As we pray, remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, and it is not his will for us to live in terror. We serve a God who is love, and the Bible teaches us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." (1 John 4:18)
___In times of peace and times of war, days of joy and nights of heartache, we can be comforted by the assurance: We are loved.
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