Text: Ezekiel 21:1-32
“So the sword is given to be polished, that it may be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished to be given into the hand of the slayer” (verse 11, ESV). If you have not yet had the opportunity, I would encourage you to speak to someone who has experienced war personally. Whether a soldier or a victim of war, these people all share an unspeakable deep emotion and perspective. Their inner struggle in the face of seeing mass death is, “Lord, how could you allow this to happen?” There is no easy answer to this question.
For the Christian, he/she must hold onto the deep truth that God has His purposes, even in war. He is victorious, even though we cannot see it, when overwhelmed with suffering and pain. He always has a redemptive purpose in allowing us to go through such circumstances. Israel may not yet have had the full perspective as the exile began to take place; but in this chapter, Ezekiel assures them that this is necessary.
Pray that whenever trials are overwhelming, and you feel like you cannot continue forward, that God would strengthen you and allow you to endure.
Our Lord and ever loving Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray that You establish our faith in You, even when tribulations around us are overwhelming.
We choose not to be anxious, but in gratitude stand firm and make all our
requests known to You. Amen.