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It has been more than a year since the start of the war in Ukraine, and I'm sure that thousands of people, if not millions, pray every day that it will soon be over. The complete devastation of infrastructure, the loss of thousands of lives, and the hardship on local people as well as the families of soldiers on both sides of the conflict are overwhelming. I have thought about and wondered why God does not answer our prayers and speak to the hearts of those who have the ability to stop this war.
I discussed this with some people, and there were different opinions. One believed that everything in life is predestined, and therefore, it was bound to happen and will stop at the appointed time. Another felt that God has given us human beings the ability to make decisions, so those who decided to start this war will also be the ones to end it. One doubted that God is actually listening to our prayers, while another believed that God has wise and loving purposes in mind that we know nothing about. But we all wonder how long this terrible situation will continue.
I'm sure that the Israelites of old, enslaved by the Egyptians, also wondered if their prayers were heard by God. They toiled from day to day, living under terrible conditions. I'm sure that they prayed every day that they would be freed and able to return to the land of their ancestors. I'm sure that they wondered every day why their prayers were not being answered, but then, the Bible tells us that God remembered them.
Exodus 2:23-25 – During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. (NIV)
It appears that God finally remembered His agreement with their ancestors, and He saw that His people were suffering and answered their prayers.
Jesus told a parable about how we should always keep on praying and not lose heart. The widow in this parable had been mistreated, and she went to see a judge about her problem, but he would not listen to her.
Luke 18:4-5 – For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, "Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming." (NIV)
There are times when we, too, feel that our prayers are in vain, times when we despair about situations nearby or far away. Sometimes, we, too, may feel that God is not listening, but the Bible tells us what our attitude should be:
Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. (NKJV)
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we ask that You would speak to the hearts of those who have the ability to bring peace to those places where wars rage. In the meantime, encourage us to continue to pray for an end to hostility. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Wise words, Joel.
Very good devotion. Keep bringing the word to us.
And so we wait on the Lord to answer our prayers.
Thank you, Joel, for this encouragement to keep praying, regardless.
Amen, dear friend,
(BC)
A beautiful truth Joel!
Blessings.
Dear Joel,
Thank you so much for these thoughtful and helpful ideas.
Thank you, Joel, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today.
Blessings.
An interesting post, you’re right, only God knows for sure, and we need to continue to pray. Thanks and blessings, Joel!
Good morning, Joel,
What a great Devotional. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Enjoy the day!
Thank you for the reminder to keep praying. They say one person – Putin – could withdraw his Army and stop this war at any time. We pray for him to see the light of peace.
Good morning, Joel,
Thanks for your devotional.
Hope you are well.
Blessings.
Dear Joel
I really enjoyed your devotional today and wanted to let you know that Ukraine and its people are in my prayers daily. Thank you.
Thanks Joel, I have felt most of the feelings about prayer that you mentioned in your very good devotional, helps to know that others share these thoughts and that whatever God is there listening. Blessings.
And, unfortunately, Joel, we tend to forget about the tragedy in Ukraine…it becomes “every day.”
I have so much for which to be grateful that I am ashamed of my lack of dedicated prayer. Thank you for your devotional.
Hello Joel
Thank you for the wonderful devotional this morning. We need to be reminded to pray constantly. God responds in very different ways that we do not understand. Keep those devotionals coming.
Amen Joel. I too have had these very thoughts as have my friends. We too concluded that we do not know why God doesn’t answer, other than He knows much that we do not, so we must therefore keep on praying, knowing that He is faithful. It is not easy though to do so when it so often feels pointless.
Blessings.
Good morning, Joel,
When I started reading this morning’s devotional, I felt that you had written it – and I was right.
I think most of us question why the Lord allows such devastation, not only in 2023 but over the centuries. It is a test of our faith.
I try to focus on the good in people and thankfully, there are plenty of examples to prove this is true.
Thank you for providing us with reminders of God’s promises.
Peace
(On.)
Dear Joel Jongkind, Thank you for the daily Devotion of today. It was helpful to know that God answers prayer in His good time and purpose. Blessings.
Dear Joel, I always like your thoughts, especially this one again. My thoughts often go back to what we experienced in WW2 in the Netherlands. Praying it will end soon for Ukraine too.
Hi Joel,
This was well written and I believe that we all need to daily pray for an end to wars all over the world, especially in Ukraine. It seems to me that there is less tolerance for differences and more hatred in general than in past years. I hope this will change soon but it will only change if people make an effort to be more positive and caring to others.