"The battle is mine say the Lord!"

I have heard and taught many stores of the Old Testament.  The majority are filled with battles from conquering land to cross the Jordan, David and the Philistines, not to mention all the Kings both good and, well, not so good.  We constantly have to stretch ourselves to read scripture within cultural context.  And the more that I live here in a different culture the more I realize what a challenge it can be! How thankful I am for the Holy Spirit who works within and gives me greater understanding than I could on my own.  Have you ever thought of the feelings and/or emotions that are related to battle?  I often immediately jump to the victory and the happy ending.  Or the lessons as in the story of Gideon who because of his faithfulness was victorious without adequate resources to testify God's hand in the situation.  What of the mess of battle?  Fearful people who await outcomes of loved ones.  We are a generation where battles are different.  They seem far away and in reality they are most of the time.  Those of us in the States have not been a part of a battle that could occur in our backyard or town.  We face random terrist attacks close to home.   But, for many of us it is difficult to think of elements of battle found in the Old Testament.  There are many questions that one can ask of battle/war.  Like, why would God conquer a site or place by killing?  Why is inheriting the land so vital?  The core of God's provision of His people throughout time does not change.  Even though the culture in which we live does!  I find this to be fascinating as I continue to adapt to my world here in Tanzania.  Many times it is like taking a step back in time.

The thoughts above are a result of conflict with two tribes in our area Maasai and Warush.  These two tribes seem to be fighting over grazing and water rights on the side of Mt. Meru.  Many of our church planters are involved in trying to bring peace but on Sunday the war cry went out with thousands responding.  Many sleeping further into the bush to afraid of attack to remain in their homes.  Sunday night was a tense and dangerous night for many.  Monday seem to bring a little hope as thousands from each tribe were willing to embrace "peace talks."  The Tanzanian military has created a no-mans-land between the Maasai and Warusha.  Hopefully the danger of large battle has passed and we wait for peace talks to occur.  This is not a squabble over something a neighbor might have or have not done.  But, one of survival.  Water is a must to provide for family and the village along with grazing for cattle.

We at the center are not in danger.  We work closely with and have ministeries in the affected areas.  We continue to pray for the leaders that they are able to make a huge difference in creating peace.  Not just in the situation but in the hearts of these men.  We anxiously wait and monitor the situation.  As a result of our sin this world needs redeeming, and by God's grace, it will.  All land belongs to God and he wants the earth to be under human stewards who are attuned to its Maker.  We pray for our leaders within these tribes that they may work in the hearts of men so that true peace will come.  May God have mercy on this land.  The author is unknown to me but my sister Christie shared this quote, "Security is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of Jesus."           

Prayer Points~

• we commit our church planters and their courageous spirits as they minister within this situation.  We pray for protection for them and their families.  May God grant them wisdom!
• Continue to pray for our safety and ability to make good choices as we serve in a country filled with conflict. 
• May the conflict today be tool for these tribes to become men and women who are attuned to his/her Maker! 

To God be the Glory for the great things He has done and will do!