ISIS - Don't Believe Your Eyes

I have been sickened by the accounts of brutality perpetrated by ISIS. Seeing huge men in black masks holding weapons is terrifying which I'm sure it's meant to be. I heard part of an interview with a member of this group during which he made such statements as:

• "My hands are ready to do this blessed act"
• "I wish God would choose me for this honor"
• "I hope God gives me this opportunity"

and I wondered how in the world do people become like that? 

   As I prayed my thoughts went to the story of Elisha and his servant, surrounded by an enemy certain to defeat and destroy them. Elisha knew better. He prayed for God to open his servant's eyes and he said:  

"Don't be afraid...those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  2 Kings 6:16

God opened the eyes of Elisha's servant and:

"...he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." v.17

    This is why I love the Old Testament so much. It is rich with stories of God's deliverance when His people stand before Him in repentance and humility, worshiping him and praying for his mercy. It is also a reminder that while we see this conflict as a political or ethnic conflict, it is actually spiritual warfare. It must be addressed as such. 

    I'm not a politician, nor do I pretend to understand the complexities of what is happening in the Middle East. Governments will address this on a political or military level. Others will provide humanitarian aide when possible. I can't do any of those things.

But I can pray. 

ISIS is a symptom of a depraved, fallen world. The only solution to that is Jesus. I am so burdened to pray for this group and to pray scripture over them. Scripture is God-breathed. It is the living Word of God and praying scripture over this group will unleash the power of God right into the middle of them. 

God promises to hear us, and he promises that our prayers will be effective when we pray together in his name. I invite you to pray with me every day for God's hand to move in a mighty, supernatural way to stop this group - a group that is already defeated in His name. 

Lord we need you right now. We need a God who is awesome and mighty, who is not afraid of the enemy because you have already defeated him. Lord we can't fight ISIS with swords and weapons, but as David did against Goliath, we come against them in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, the God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. You have won - IT IS FINISHED! For your glory Lord, and for your kingdom, we ask that you begin right now to cause dissension and chaos among them. Block them at every turn so that they are not successful in their plans. Protect those who could so easily become their victims, and comfort those who already have. 

Lord call Christians all over the world to pray, agreeing together, as we ask for your intervention and your mercy. Help us to remember that you love each member of ISIS just as you love us. You died for each of them as you died for us, and you grieve for them as you grieved for us and pursued us when we were lost. 

Your Name, Lord is a strong tower where we can run to be safe. We run to you now. Don't let us become discouraged, Lord. Let us keep our eyes on you, our strength and our Redeemer. In the name of Jesus we pray and believe. Amen. 

Click here to listen to  The Battle Belongs to the Lord and worship for a few moments. Thank you for praying. 

Sherri