The words. Those words. I'm sure you've heard...the ones that have ignited such debate...from President Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast. I’m sure he had no idea the scrutiny his speech would soon muster. And did someone write these words for him to say or did he think of them himself? Seemingly careless words for such troubled times we live under.
“Unless we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ..."
Dear Mr. President,
With all due respect, call it a "high horse," or just passion for our God, many of us would like to express our thoughts as well. Because many from this country that you have been so blessed to lead, just plain disagree. Maybe the heart of your statement was to reinforce the fact that we do all have a sin nature, that we do all make mistakes, that we do sometimes get things wrong, but to compare the evil acts of ISIS, the extreme violence of this horrific terrorist group - happening now - today - with something that happened so many years ago, and which was actually a counter-reaction to instigated Islamic aggression, is quite frankly, twisted.
On the heels of hearing such atrocious news of a Jordanian man being caged and burned alive, of reading news just this week of countless precious children being used as sex slaves, buried alive, tortured and viciously killed, of hearing report after report of innocent victims at the hands of their brutality, Americans beheaded, and Christians being persecuted, ravaged, and killed, I am deeply troubled that this is your response, especially for so many who are called to pray - and who have tirelessly prayed for you.
Maybe, looking back, you could have just simply said, “I’m with you. I stand with you.” Maybe you could have spoken a word of encouragement, or even a simple thank you for prayers being voiced on your behalf as you have sought to lead this country. Maybe you could have drawn words from the scripture of how God’s wisdom, which was the foundation on which this great nation was founded, still offers, even today, in the midst of great adversity, clear direction and grace for our troubled times.
I realize you will most likely never read these words, and that’s OK, I’m just a mom out here in a little place in the world, doing my best to raise our kids to know His love and courage. But they’re still important for me to write, because really, I think many of us feel the same way. And there’s great encouragement and power when we know we stand together, when we know we are not alone. When we remind ourselves what we believe and Who we believe. There’s greatness there.
Maybe it’s time that we did get on our horses, call it high or whatever you want. Maybe it’s time we “saddle up our horses.” Maybe it’s time now, for “we’ve got a trail to blaze.”
In the words of Franklin Graham, “Mr. President--Many people in history have used the name of Jesus Christ to accomplish evil things for their own desires. But Jesus taught peace, love and forgiveness. He came to give His life for the sins of mankind, not to take life. Mohammad on the contrary was a warrior and killed many innocent people. True followers of Christ emulate Christ—true followers of Mohammed emulate Mohammed.”
And in the words of our Lord, may we remember these truths – for it is His truth that truly sets us free from mere humanistic thinking, from pride, and the desire to hold on to popular opinion, for the sake of being “politically correct,”
10 Reminders that He Fights for Us Still Today:
“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deut. 20:4
“Through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us. “ Psa. 44:5
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Josh. 1:9
"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt. 10:28
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” Rom. 8:31
"Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.” Dan. 2:20-21
“'Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.” Deut. 3:22
"One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you.” Josh. 23:10
“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Is. 40:31
Dear God,
Have mercy on our land, give wisdom to our leaders, give strength to your people. We need you now more than ever before and believe that your eyes are on the righteous and your ears are open to their cry. Bring your healing and your grace. Set your protection around your people all around this world. Stop evil in its tracks. Bring justice on behalf of those your love. Set the captives free, release the prisoners, open blind eyes to receive your love.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Debbie McDaniel is a pastor's wife and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at www.freshdayahead.com and on Twitter @DebbMcDaniel.