Let me first start off with telling you my credentials - I have none.
A lot of the articles flying around the internet have sweeping proclamations and forget to mention that the author has no more expertise than the average college grad. I would consider myself up to date on the crisis developing - as up to date as the media and sources can make me. I don't know what to do about ISIS, about refugees or about Muslim communities. I have lots of ideas, and since I'm human, I logically believe my ideas to be good solutions. I do not know anyone who thinks of a solution and does not believe it to be ingenious. The thing is, no matter what I type next, half of the population will click the X button because the first paragraph was not lining up with their worldview. What I am about to say next is not new news, nor is it a solution.
We should pray - pray a lot, and pray for all of it.
I challenge you to fast like Liberty University was challenged to do. I challenge you to pause before trying to make an opinion on the affairs in the Middle East. I know time is valuable and a lot of you believe we don't have a lot of it to waste right now. However, take a day to pause. Take one day to not form an opinion, to not engage in persuasion of any kind. Go one full day - 24 hours without an agenda.
1. Pray for Paris and other terrorist attacks around the world.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:35)
In light of the events that transpired in Paris, as well as other isolated events, we as Christians should pray. God promises us to be there in all troubles. Nothing can separate those who cling to Christ - not a bomb, not a shooter and not a war. We can rest in that truth.
2. Pray for refugees.
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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-5)
All political agendas aside, God desires all people to know him and to love him. It is our job as Christ followers to show love and pray for peace amidst the trials.
3. Pray for Americans.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
As a nation who has been known for having great power, it is our duty to pray for one another's safety, to be right with God, and to be mindful of sin around us.
4. Pray for ISIS.
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28)
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
God tells us to love our enemy, and to pray for those who have a desire to harm Christians. This is easier said than done. What a great opportunity to show kindness when the world wants nothing but to show hatred.
5. Pray for peace among the chaos.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John:14:27)
Praying for peace is one of the hardest things when your heart wants to be angry and to blame. Pray for a calmness in your heart and the hearts of the victims as well.
Now this is where most articles would conclude with an agenda. Something talking about the Christians that were killed by ISIS, or the lives of refugees that are being altered. Perhaps national security, a quote about immigration, America's use of prayer when it's convenient, or a comment about muslims. I'm not going to end with any of those statements. Instead,
I'm praying, too. Let us continue to pray.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
