Where Did the Warriors Go?
December 1, 2007

I am having a hard time lately now that I've come to the realization that so many people have gotten too wrapped up in the politics of war that they've forgotten their faith. Where is that faith that our country held so dear after September 11th? Where did it go? Why have people chosen to focus on politics, and in the process, they have forgotten to pray?

Think about it for a second... Why do you support or protest the war in Iraq? Why do you think that others support or protest it?

I can tell you why I still support it. But I can also tell you why I think so many people have lost their support for it.

There is always this debate among Christians about the concept of a "just war." Is there such a thing? What qualifies? How involved should we as Christians get? Well, here's my perspective...

Before we entered Iraq, when our troops were waiting in Kuwait, we had prayer warriors across the country and around the world. People were praying for God to truly be present with our troops. In A Table in the Presence, Lt. Carey H. Cash, a Chaplain with the Marines, shared part of a letter he received from a woman back in the States:

"We are asking God for three things concerning this war:
1. Confusion among the generals of Saddam's army; chaos-- causing them to lay down their arms.
2. Salvation for many!
3. Legions of warring angels with drawn swords going before you as you make your approach.
We know God is able!" (Cash, p.68).

Unfortunately, too many people do not realize that these prayers were answered in full force by God. In the beginning of the invasion, in those first crucial hours, not a single Marine was killed. The Iraqis had the power to destroy those men, and they surrendered en masse. Lt. Cash mentions at one point that we'll never know what those Iraqi soldiers saw, but I would not be surprised if they saw angels with swords drawn.

Where are these prayer warriors now? Have they all forgotten? Do they just not care anymore? Have they become so wrapped up in the politics, in debating and defending, that they've forgotten about the most powerful weapon that we have?

I know that people hate war... no one likes it, no one wants it. But sometimes it is necessary. As Christians, we are called to help the poor, the oppressed, and the weak. Which one of those did the Iraqi people not qualify for? They qualify for them all. So why was America wrong to get involved?

I honestly believe that if people returned to that faith that they had four years ago, things would be going a whole lot better for our troops, our country, and the Iraqi people. But too few are praying... and many who are praying are praying for the selfish things (which we are all guilty of), but the unselfish prayers are amazing. People pray for God to strike down President Bush and to bring the troops home. Wanting the troops home is in no way a bad thing to pray for, but look for the motives behind each of those prayers. (Mind you, I pray for it too, but wanting them home and wanting God's perfect timing are two completely different things.) And praying for God to strike down Bush is just immature. He was voted in as President of the United States just as God planned, and so will the next president (Democrat or Republican). God is in control, even if you do not want Him to be.

The favorite argument from Pacifist Christians is, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). I wish that people could grasp the fact that it says "peacemakers" not "peacekeepers." Yes, peace would be amazing. But the reality of it is that there will not be peace until Jesus Christ returns and battles Satan once and for all. But until then, we will see war... we have been promised that in the Bible. All prophecies of the End Times speak of wars. So why are we trying to avoid the inevitable? Even if America was to isolate herself, and no longer get involved in other countries' problems, there would still be war.

Many of our troops have experienced God's power and presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Did you know that they waited 40 days before the Marines crossed the Iraqi/Kuwaiti border? Biblical. Massive Bible studies occurred in those 40 days. Men wanted to know more about God, about His love, His forgiveness, and His promises. And God was present through it all.

Why have we turned our backs on God? Why have we turned our backs on the military? Why do we expect God to punish wrong doers, but we "know" that He does not have the power to help and guide us?

Forget the politics. Forget all of the debris surrounding us. Do not forget the men and women fighting for justice in the Middle East. Do not forget to pray. Pray for salvation. Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray for guidance. And pray for God's peace to cover them. Pray every day. Become the prayer warriors.

God bless our men and women in uniform... may God bring them home safe and soon... in His good and perfect timing.

-Rebecca Melnyk-