War and Peace (You Can Know Real Peace)

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,  a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Times of War 

There are so many wars and conflicts going on in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. 

We also hear of drug wars and gang wars going on throughout the world. At times it does seem like we are a world at war. 

Just think of the absolute devastation caused by the war in Ukraine, and the tragic destruction, senseless brutality, and loss of life we have seen in Israel and Gaza. 

While I fully understand the need to fight for what is right and eliminate enemies who are putting your people at risk, war is horrific. Many innocent people are caught in the crossfire with their lives in danger, and many are left with deep trauma and suffering from the atrocities associated with the destruction and carnage. 

Our Battle is Not Against Flesh and Blood

Often we think our battle is against people, but God’s word tells us overwise. In Ephesians 6 it says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

But, despite the unseen enemy, we are told to, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6-10-11) 

You don’t have to live in fear. If God is your God, you can stand firm even in the middle of a warzone, knowing that nothing can separate you from his love. 

“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)

Romans goes on, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

There is an unseen enemy that comes to kill, steal, and destroy.

He causes so much damage. He comes to rob you of your peace and cause conflict, but you can stand firm if you are God’s child. 

Where Does Your Hope Lie?

The current war in the Middle East may leave you feeling uneasy and concerned about the future. 

The attack on Israel and their retaliation may leave you deeply stressed and concerned about the future of our world.

You may be worried that the current conflict will lead to a third world war. 

Will Things Get Better?

Unfortunately, the terrible events happening in the Middle East at present look like they will continue. From a Biblical perspective, we do know that war and conflict are prophesied to happen in this region.

Zechariah prophesied about Jerusalem. He said, “I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves.” (Zechariah 12:2-3 NLT)

Ezekiel also prophesied what would happen to the nation of Israel.

He made it clear that Israel, a nation that was scattered throughout the world with no homeland after they had turned their backs on God, would return to their homeland.

Ezekiel referred to God’s chosen land as a valley of dry bones that God would revive, resurrect and bring out of exile, back to their homeland. He said, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel.” (Ezekiel 37:12)

Many believe that this prophecy was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel became the first Jewish state in 2000 years.  And over the years following this event, there has been continual conflict and bloodshed in this region, with wars interspersed with peace treaties, but no genuine lasting peace. 

According to Ezekiel, war would be followed by a period of “peace” but it won’t be real long-lasting peace – a false peace. After a short period, there will be more disaster and destruction to follow. 

Ezekiel wrote, “A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel. You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.” (Ezekiel 38:8-9 NLT)

Again, Ezekiel prophesied that during a time of peace, war would once again erupt.

Ezekiel said, “Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself. You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast cavalry and your mighty army, and you will attack my people Israel, covering their land like a cloud. At that time in the distant future, I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you, Gog. Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekeil 38:14-16)

I know who wins the battle. He is still in control despite the chaos.

So many peace treaties have been signed but there has been no real lasting peace…

Counterfeit Peace

Many offer a peace that is not peaceful at all, it is a fake peace. This false peace may bring temporary relief, but it will not last and it will never satisfy. 

I need to tell you that there is ONLY ONE who offers true lasting peace. His name is JESUS. He is known as the Prince of Peace. 

In Isaiah, it is prophecies that a Savior would come. We know this referred to Jesus. He would come to save people who were living in darkness. He would come as the light of the world.  

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:2)

This scripture goes on and says, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)

Don’t settle for a counterfeit peace. There is so much deception in our world at present. Keep close to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

Don’t be deceived.

Jesus warned us “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5 NIV)

In Dr Michael Youssef’s book, ‘Is the End Near’, he shared a story that a German friend who told him about life in Germany after that nation’s defeat in World War I.

He writes, “After four years of war, from 1914 to 1918, the German people were weary, defeated, and humiliated. From 1918 through the 1930s, Germany suffered from hyperinflation, rampant unemployment, violence, instability, and attempts to overthrow the government.”

The German people were desperate for peace and prosperity, and a leader came on the scene who seemed to offer them hope and peace. Do you know who the people welcomed in to lead their nation into peace? 

None other than probably the most vile, oppressive, and evil ruler the modern world has seen. 

Dr Michael Youssef said, “In 1933, the German people welcomed Adolf Hitler’s appointment as chancellor because he promised to deliver the nation from its political and economic crisis.”

Germany had been at war. The damage of the war had left the nation defeated. They were desperate. Instead of bringing a solution, this tyrant and dictator brought pain and suffering to many with over 6 million Jewish people dying during the Holocaust. 

We know how the story ended. Germany’s leader was no savior. He didn’t bring peace. He brought horror and destruction.  

Don’t put your hope in false hope. Watch out for counterfeit, which may offer a temporary reprieve but actually comes to cause destruction. 

Could such a leader come to power again?

Beware of what is going on. Understand the times in which we are living. 

Real Peace

Only Jesus offers real lasting peace. Eternal peace. 

During times of war, look to Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace. 

Don’t settle for anything else. 

I don’t know where you stand today…

Are you facing a war?

Your battle may be in your community. 

Your conflict may be in your family. 

Your war may be a battle in your own life.

Your fight may be in your mind.

There is only ONE who offers REAL PEACE. He is THE PRICE OF PEACE. His name is JESUS.

You cannot have peace without the Prince of Peace. 

Jesus told us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

Don’t be troubled. Trust in Jesus. 

Jesus also told us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

You can know the peace of God. You can have peace with God.

Shalom Peace

The Hebrew word for peace is SHALOM (שׁלום). 

Shalom comes from the root word meaning “wholeness” and “completeness”.

Shalom peace is to have a perfect peace that encapsulates every area of your life and being. Shalom peace is to have harmony, tranquillity, good health, a peaceful sound mind, protection, and prosperity. 

This is the peace that Jesus, The Price of Peace, offers. It is different from what the world offers. 

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Are You Worried about the Future? Have You Lost Your Peace?

I don’t know where you stand today. 

Are you facing a personal war in your family or a battle in your mind?

If you are fearful, worried, and concerned about the future, give your burdens to Jesus. 

We are told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

And God promises you that when you surrender your anxieties to him, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

Don’t worry. Stand firm. Pray. Ask God to intervene. Pray for peace. Pray for God’s mercy. Trust God for your protection. 

Maybe you have a war raging in your heart. Surrender to Jesus. Give him your frustrations, and your confusion. Give him your battle. 

Invite the Prince of Peace into your heart. He will fight for you. You can find rest and peace in Jesus. 

I must add: There is more to life than just the here and now. So often we live only for the here and now, and we give no thought to eternity. In eternity, you will spend forever either in God’s kingdom or separated from God. 

My friend, please don’t leave your salvation to chance.

2000 years ago Jesus died on the cross. He could have walked away, but he chose to die because there was no other way to save mankind. We messed up. We all fell short of God’s standard. Because of our shortcomings, we were left in trouble.

Sin cut us off from a Holy God, but thank God that this is not the end of the story. God loved you and me so much that he sent Jesus to pay for our sins. On the cross Jesus died as the pure spotless Lamb of God, paying the full price for our sins so that we can be forgiven and come into a relationship with God. 

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? 

And by the way, Jesus did not die to only save Christians. He paid the full price to save the entire human race, not just a selected group of people. All people matter to God. You matter to God, no matter who you are, or what you have done, or where you are from. He loves you.

God has however given each one of us the freedom to live how we choose. 

Today you can choose to take him as your Lord and Savior, or you can reject him.

The consequences of your decision will impact your peace and your eternity forever. 

Every person who dies without Jesus is lost for eternity and will spend their life after the grave in hell according to Jesus, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

But every person who surrenders their life to Jesus, taking him as their Lord and Savior finds forgiveness, can know God’s abundant peace, and will share eternity with Him in heaven. 

When I hear of people dying in war and hear of others dying without knowing Jesus as their Savior, it troubles me. It absolutely breaks God’s heart, for God loves all people.

Jesus is coming soon. He is on his way. All the things we see at present are signs of the imminent return of Jesus.

Jesus clearly told us, “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”(Matthew 24:36)

Jesus went on, “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (Matthew 24:37-39)

We need to pray for people to come to Christ. Time is running out. Many are lost. Many need the Savior. 

Where do you stand with God?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Do you know the peace of God? Are you ready?

If not, or if you have let go of God, come back. Jesus has his arms open wide. He is waiting for you. 

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.

I need to also tell you that…

• War kills, but Jesus brings life.
• War brings destruction, but Jesus brings restoration.  
• War breaks things down, but Jesus can build up and make you whole. 
• War causes blockages, but Jesus brings breakthrough.
• War brings bondage, but Jesus sets free. 
• War will fill you with worry and dread, but Jesus brings peace. 

No Jesus. No Peace. Know Jesus. Know Peace.

I know we are living in unsettling times, but I have good news for you. You can know Jesus. You can know his shalom peace.

Invite the Prince of Peace into your heart. 

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.