I went down to the river one evening this week. It was so peaceful. We can never take peace for granted.
After yesterday’s events in Canada, when a gunman shot a young reserve soldier on ceremonial duty at the War memorial in Ottawa and then entered the very halls of the parliament building with his weapon, I am even more aware of the need to pray.
There is more than one way to stand on guard. We need to pray for all those in positions of leadership, and for those who put their lives on the line to protect us.
Those who are called to pray and bring the needs of this country to the throne of God also do guard duty.
God keep our land glorious and free –and peaceful.
Charis: Subject to Change 
Lord, let Your perfect peace cast out all fear. We thank You for the protection we find in You.
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Yes.
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Charis I immediately thought of you when I heard the news. Knew you’d be praying. I’ve never been to Canada although I have friends in Peace River who I long to visit. But it seems almost inconceivable to me that this has happened to your nation. It is not one that one immediately thinks of in world conflicts (and I mean that as a compliment!). I think one day we will look back and see 9/11 as the declaration of World War III. Thank goodness for the peace and hope we are privileged to know in Christ our Lover.
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Sometimes we pray without knowing what we’re praying for. That’s OK because Holy Spirit takes what we offer and translates. All I know is that for some time I have been sensing something that wants to create an atmosphere of fear and have walked the halls at night praying. When people are afraid they are easily manipulated and start reacting in ways that can exacerbate a problem. Today I was reminded to remember Hezekiah when he was threatened (which is what terrorism is all about.) He took the threats to the Lord and laid them all out and was honest about his nation’s inability to cope. And the Lord answered.
I grieve with the family and friends of the two slain soldiers as well as the injured one, but it could have been so much worse, you know. It did not take an army of people stripping millions of individuals of personal freedom to stop the gunman in the parliament building. It took one man and his team, the Sargent-at-Arms, doing what he was called to do -protect parliament.
God WILL answer when we turn to Him. His arm is not too short to save.
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PS. Stunning photo BTW!
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God can be such a show-off sometimes. I absolutely love his work.
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My thoughts are with you too at this time Charis, and all Canadians. May you and other Canadian believers stand unshaken in the walls of your nation and may we who trust Christ join hands across the nations to encourage one another in these times of upheaval and shaking of nations. We are from different nations yes, but on another level representatives together of an unshakeable, eternal Kingdom, not of this world. May you be strengthened, and may well all be strengthened, by that knowledge.
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Thank you, Cheryl. I think different nations have different callings (and different temptations and distractions.) I know Canada has an important destiny as a healer of nations. But first we must be healed ourselves. There was a powerful moment in parliament today when the Prime Minister crossed the floor to embrace leaders of the opposition. It was a symbolic act, but I found it profoundly moving.
Aslan is on the move. The ice is melting.
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