Facing Conflict -- part 1
Mothers of Nations, we all know that conflicts are simply a normal part of our life’s journey. Let’s take some time to discuss this topic and see what God’s Word teaches us about conflicts and how we should manage them as followers of Christ.
First of all, what does the word “conflict” mean?
- To contend in warfare
- To show antagonism
- To disagree
- To experience emotional tension due to incapacity, war, collision, discord, disagreement, disharmony
Conflicts have taken place all throughout human history. We have experienced ourselves conflicts in our families and our businesses. We know there are conflicts between nations and rulers of nations. And of course we have experienced conflicts in our relationships with others.
The Bible is full of stories about conflict. All of us can quickly identify examples of some of the conflicts mentioned above both from God’s Word and from the world we live in.
- Adam and Eve – husband and wife
- Cain and Abel – brothers (sons of Adam and Eve)
- God and Lucifer
- Israel and Germany, Israel and Egypt – nations
- USA and Korea, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Viet Nam – nations
Scripturally we know that in the end times there will be wars and rumors of wars and conflicts. Matthew 24: 6-7 (NKJV) says this: 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
As we close in on the end times (if we are not already there), we will be well aware of conflict. What are some of these possible conflicts that we should be alert to?
- Nationalism and One World Government
- Financial challenges and financial collapse
- Drought, famine, disease, death
- Pain, agony, travail
As believers we know that we must trust God to deliver us from or out of these types of conflicts. What does Psalm 24: 7-10 (NKJV) tell us?
Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah
These verses show us that David rejoiced over the King “mighty in battle.” The word “mighty” denotes one who is a champion, a warrior, and an overcomer.
The words of Exodus 14: 13-14 (NKJV) also encourage us as we face conflicts and challenges in life.
13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
When conflicts come (and they will), we are exhorted to stand still, to stand firm. In doing so we are promised to see the deliverance of the Lord in our life situations.
Continuing on in Exodus 14, verses 15-16 we read this:
15 And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
These verses show us that Moses received God’s instructions in how to manage the conflict before him. We need to do the same when we are facing conflicts in our own lives. What is God saying about what we are facing? We need to listen for the instructions of the Lord as we contend with all those Red Sea conflicts throughout our lives!
Next week we will continue discussing this topic and look at several ways that people react to conflict when it comes their way. Until next week Mothers of Nations, if conflict comes your way, stand still and stand firm. Trust in the Lord to deliver you out of every challenge you face!
Dr. Sharon Predovich
