News from Libya suggests that the that troubled country may be slipping towards civil war. The arrival of Saudi troops in Bahrain doesn't look much more hopeful, as the Sunni ruling family try to overwhelm the protests of the Shia majority in that tiny oil-rich state.
History tells us that civil wars are often the most brutal and destructive, as both sides fight to a standstill.
I pray that God's mercy may be discovered in these troubled times.
It is therefore startling that the New Testament tells followers of Jesus that we are engaged in a deadly civil war every day - within our own lives.
St. Paul, to his Galatian friends, tells them of the relentless conflict going on. 'The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.' (Galatians 5.17)
Knowing that we are in a civil war zone may help us to take appropriate actions. We can take time to listen to the Spirit's promptings, and learn to recognise the voice of the enemy, and he tries to divert or destroy us.
Or as Paul told his troubled friends in Corinth, 'The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.' (1 Corinthians 10.13)
Then, the choice of who wins will be our responsibility. Looking to Jesus to help us will mean today can be a day of great victory. What a prospect!
Best wishes,
Richard
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