Once in a land filled with sand and starry skies, there lived a kind man named Abraham. He loved and believed in God with all his heart. Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were blessed with a son named Isaac, who brought them immense joy.

One day, God decided to test Abraham’s faith and trust. He spoke to Abraham, saying, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on a mountain that I will show you.”

Abraham, though saddened, knew in his heart that he must obey God. Early the next morning, he and Isaac set out on a journey to the mountain. As they walked, Isaac curiously asked, “Father, where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” Abraham, with a loving smile, replied, “God will provide, my son.”

Upon reaching the mountain, Abraham built an altar, placed wood on it, and bound Isaac. Just as he raised the knife to obey God’s command, an angel appeared, calling out, “Abraham, do not harm the boy! God sees your faith, and here is a ram for sacrifice.”

Abraham, overjoyed and relieved, sacrificed the ram instead of Isaac. God was pleased with Abraham’s unwavering faith, and He blessed him abundantly.

This story teaches us about faith, obedience, and God’s love. God didn’t want Abraham to harm Isaac, but He wanted to see if Abraham trusted Him completely. In the end, God provided a way out and celebrated Abraham’s love and faithfulness. It’s a reminder that even when things seem tough, God is with us, guiding and caring for us.

Who can say that they Trust God Completely?

That question opens the door for many more? Would you? Do you? Can you?

The question of why God allows suffering, particularly the suffering caused by war, has been pondered by theologians and philosophers for centuries. There are many different perspectives on this complex issue, and no single answer can satisfy everyone.

Here are some of the main theological perspectives on why God allows suffering:

Free will: Many believe that God has given humans free will, the ability to choose between good and evil. This freedom allows us to love and create, but it also allows us to make destructive choices like war. God allows this because the alternative, controlling our every action, would be incompatible with genuine love and freedom.

Human sinfulness: Some believe that human suffering is a consequence of our sinfulness and rebellion against God. When we choose to ignore God’s will and act selfishly, it creates suffering both for ourselves and others. War is seen as a manifestation of this human sinfulness.

Testing and refinement: Some believe that God allows suffering as a way to test and refine our faith. By enduring hardship, we can grow stronger and closer to God. War, while painful, can lead to unity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Mystery: Ultimately, the question of why God allows suffering is a mystery. We may never fully understand God’s purpose in allowing such pain and tragedy. However, we can have faith that God is good and loving, and that even in the midst of suffering, he is working out his plan for good.

In the case of the specific wars you mentioned, each has its own unique history and circumstances. It is impossible to say definitively why God has not yet intervened to end them. However, we can trust that God is aware of the suffering and that he is working in his own way to bring about peace.

Ultimately, whether or not you believe that God will end the wars in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza is a matter of your own faith and beliefs. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your prayers for peace. Millions of people around the world are praying for the same thing. Together, our voices can make a difference.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Why Does God Allow the War in Ukraine? (Gulf Coast Catholic)
• A Biblical Response to the Russia and Ukraine War (Tony Evans Sermon)
• How the War in Ukraine Ends (The New Yorker)
• Russia-Ukraine: Where is God in war? (Love Digest)

Please remember that you are not alone in your prayers for peace. I encourage you to continue to pray and to believe that God has a plan for good.

I am not all-knowing, and I cannot definitively say which prayers God will act upon. However, I can offer you a prayer that reflects our desires for peace and God’s intervention:

Almighty God,

We come before you today with heavy hearts, burdened by the weight of suffering in our world. We see wars raging in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, causing untold pain and devastation. We witness innocent lives being lost, families displaced, and hope dwindling.

Merciful Father,

Loving Creator,

We plead with you to intervene in these conflicts. We pray for a swift end to the violence, for the restoration of peace, and for the healing of wounds both physical and emotional. We pray for wisdom to guide the leaders of these nations, for compassion to replace anger and vengeance, and for understanding to bridge divides.

We also pray for the innocent victims of these wars. We pray for comfort for those who grieve, strength for those who are displaced, and hope for those who have lost everything. We pray for the safety and protection of those who remain in harm’s way and for the courage of those who are working to bring relief and support.

O Lord of all creation,

We know that you are a God of justice, love, and peace. We believe that you have the power to intervene in human affairs and to bring about your will. We place our trust in you, and we pray that you will act upon our cries for help.

May your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.

While the outcome of your prayer may not be what you desire, it is important to know that God is always listening. He hears our cries and knows our deepest desires. He is a God of love and compassion, and he will never abandon us in our time of need.

Please continue to pray for peace and to believe that God has a plan for good.

I will not stop praying. I hope you will too.