God is always calling us. The scriptures are clear about this, but we are not always listening, and even when we are listening, we sometimes misinterpret what God wants from us. Today's New York Times noted that the military involvement of the United States in Afghanistan had officially ended, and though I was grateful, I couldn't forget another article about soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are unable to drive our streets and highways without great fear. (1) Many of these soliers cannot drive at all, and when they do drive they often speed up at intersections and go through stop signs for fear there are people ready to fire upon them. Others feel threatened by tunnels, overpasses and work crews along the road.
Rereading the article I realized I was breathing very shallowly. I don't want to know about these soldiers problems, because I do not want to face the horrors of war, especially as it impacts the lives of children. But unless we face these issues, we will never come to terms with the long term disabilities these men and women face, and the terrible effects upon our society. Dwight Eisenhower wrote, "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity." Today's scriptures remind us not to act on our fears when we are threatened. Otherwise, we will rush into war again and never find ways to establish peace on the earth.
Today, ask God to help you be a peacemaker.
In what area of life do you most need the courage of Jesus?
Rereading the article I realized I was breathing very shallowly. I don't want to know about these soldiers problems, because I do not want to face the horrors of war, especially as it impacts the lives of children. But unless we face these issues, we will never come to terms with the long term disabilities these men and women face, and the terrible effects upon our society. Dwight Eisenhower wrote, "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity." Today's scriptures remind us not to act on our fears when we are threatened. Otherwise, we will rush into war again and never find ways to establish peace on the earth.
Today, ask God to help you be a peacemaker.
In what area of life do you most need the courage of Jesus?
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