The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has been all over the news. Many people are scared that this could be the start of a third world war. The news of a major nation going to war against another nation is not something that we can ignore or take lightly. It is a major event in our recent history. When we hear of nations going to war against each other we often wonder why? Why in this modern era do people still need to go to ear against each other?

The bible says that the real reason for war is sin. James 4:1-2 says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” This verse for intended to describe the human condition but it perfectly sums up the reason why nations go to war against each other. After all, there are human beings involved on both sides of the conflict and since we live in a sinful world filled with sinful human beings, war is inevitable.

Jesus says in Matthew 24:6, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” We do not know exactly when Christ is coming back again but according to Jesus wars are bound to happen and will happen before his second coming.  So as long as we live on this Earth, war is here to stay and a reminder to us all that sooner or later Christ is coming back.

So what do we do during times of war? Do we fear? Do we panic? What does the bible say that we need to do during times of war? The bible says that we should pray. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Since war usually involves decisions from those in high authority we need to pray for them. 

Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” This is what we need to do as Christians during times of war we need to pray. We pray for those whose lives are affected by this war, we pray for those in harm’s way, we pray for soldiers and we pray especially for the leaders and the authorities to make the right decisions. Above all, we need to pray for peace among the nations. Wars are nothing but a reminder that his world is in desperate need of prayer and salvation. We cannot stand as Christians and do nothing when nations are at war. We must pray as we are all called into a different kind of battle. Ephesians 6:1 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We are at war against war. So keep praying for those in Ukraine, Russia, and everyone in the surrounding areas.