Pray for Peace

“Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils…” Mark 16:15-20

Father, I try to proclaim Your Good News to anyone who will listen. But these signs? What  am I to think of these signs that accompany believers? In Your name, can I cast out devils? I should cast out the evil spirits behind Hamas and Islamic jihadists! Can I do it from where I am? Can I take authority over these demons from the spiritual realm and cast it out? 

First, we need to recognize their activity. How can we fail to see that these are not normal actions of normal people?

Eli Shtivi is the father of 28 year old Idan Shtivi, who was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova desert rave, where he had volunteered to photograph the event. Eli described the atrocities committed by the Gazan citizens on October 10 from videos he watched that Israel isn’t publishing yet for privacy of the families.

1. Dozens of abductees were tied by their legs to cars and dragged along the road in a 'victory procession' across Gaza. Until there is nothing left of their faces!

2. The whole street cheered! Women and children tore off organs as souvenirs!

3. Male abductees were also being raped, shaved, and dressed in women's clothes.

And so much more that will make us sick to our stomachs! 

Bevin Tait, a teacher of History and English in New Zealand, says, “Yes, God can cast out a demon by a believer praying for that on the internet. I have been involved in this over the years and God guides some people to others and then reveals truth about their situations and can and does deliver some from demonic oppression and possession. We just need to be wise and be led by the Holy Spirit. God gives the giftings and spiritual power as it is all God, NOT the believer. We just work with God. It is a wonderful privilege to work with God.”

In the 9th chapter of Mark, there is a story of a boy who was possessed by demons. The father of the boy asked Jesus if He can do anything. “If you can? ALL THINGS are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus taught His disciples who were frustrated because they could not cast out the spirits, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything BUT prayer.”

So let us pray in faith EVERY DAY, let us work with God to bring peace to every corner of our temporary home.