October 5, 2025
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Happy Sunday,
Tuesday marks two years of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. And this week, with yet another ceasefire plan on the table (catch up on the background here and recent news here), I found myself hopeful about peace prospects in Gaza… and also a little wary of getting my hopes up.
We can and must pray for peace. But thank God our hope doesn’t rest on the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, or Hamas to get it done:
“God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not be afraid…
Nations rage, kingdoms topple;
the earth melts when he lifts his voice.
The LORD of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Come, see the works of the LORD,
who brings devastation on the earth.
He makes wars cease throughout the earth.
He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces;
he sets wagons ablaze.
‘Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.’
The LORD of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Psalm 46:1-11 (CSB)
God has a peace plan. It doesn’t need Israel’s or Hamas’s approval. It doesn’t merely cover Gaza or even the Middle East. It can’t be undone by rebels, and it won’t unravel decades later.
The Lord’s peace has been a done deal from the beginning of time, sealed with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s global, it’s unending, and it’s open to all who would lay down their weapons.
Let’s pray for peace in the Middle East, confident in the plans of the Great Peacemaker:
God our Creator,
You are the sovereign King over every corner of the world.
There is no authority wielded apart from You,
no battle line drawn apart from You,
no troop deployed apart from You,
no vulnerable civilian unknown to You,
no classified negotiations kept secret from You,
no peace accomplished without You.
Gracious Peacemaker,
In the hearts and lands of these embattled countries,
work peace.
Thwart evil plans, and bring to fruition those that lead to flourishing.
May their leaders be creative in their problem-solving,
wise in their choice of counselors,
clear-eyed in their negotiating, and
compassionate toward the needy,
humbly considering the good of others before their own gain
and attributing all the glory to You alone.
We don’t always trust our leaders to work for our good,
but Your plans for Your people are 100% sure, good, trustworthy.
So use these broken vessels to bring about
good for Your people
rest for Your world
and glory for Your name.
Until the day when every nation reshapes its weapons into tools for peace,
and wolves dwell among lambs,
we trust You,
our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Steph Juliot
Further Reading
Isaiah 9:1-7
Isaiah 11:1-9
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