by Rachel Ledbetter

We groan together.

Paul reminds us in Romans 8:22 that “. . . we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” This week, as we cycle through our news outlets and feeds, the groaning is not merely from the physical world experiencing the cataclysmic effects of Genesis 3–this week we hear the cries of people in acute suffering. 

Haiti, a country already stricken with violence and the pandemic, cries loudly following a devastating earthquake this past Saturday. Our brothers and sisters in Cuba groan with hunger in the face of economic crisis, increasing coronavirus infections, and political strife. Most recently, the fall of the government in Afghanistan has resulted in an uncertain future for its people and grave danger for anyone who confesses the Lordship of Christ. 

How must we respond to these groanings? 

As believers, we respond with cries of our own–cries to a Father who has promised we will seek Him and find Him when we search for Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13). “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16) so our first response in the face of such chaotic crises should be to boldly approach the throne of grace. 

Take some time today and pray for the nations. Pray for the poor, the hungry, the vulnerable. Pray for physical protection for those who are at this very moment being enslaved or persecuted. Pray for God to protect and increase faith in brothers and sisters who are being tested, that they would know that our God will supply every need of theirs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). 

In an article from January 2020, David Platt encourages Christians to:

“Pray for salvation, strength, protection, freedom, justice, hope, and healing for victims (Psalm 82:4; 103:6; Luke 19:10). For conviction, repentance, and salvation for oppressors, for criminal networks to be dismantled, and for oppressors to be arrested and prosecuted (Psalm 7:9; Isaiah 55:7; Jeremiah 22:3; 2 Timothy 2:25). For government corruption to cease and for the implementation of just legislation (Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 8:15; Amos 5:12; 1 Timothy 2:1–2). For the church to advocate and work in unity against injustice (Psalm 133; Proverbs 31:8; John 17:23; Romans 15:5).”

Another brother, Josh Manley, encourages prayer for the advancement of the gospel. Manley recounts a very recent conversation in which an Afghan pastor described these days as “dark” and said they feel like a “storm.” Then he asked that we pray for “revival.” 

Manley commends the faith of the pastor saying, “Here is a man whose life is in danger asking us, who enjoy so many privileges and freedoms, to pray that God would open the eyes of the spiritually blind and give life to dead hearts.

We serve an amazing God who can redeem amidst the worst of circumstances. He will not be thwarted. 

Within these bleak days in which reports of persecution and suffering continue rolling in, we know we have a Great High Priest who is not unfamiliar with suffering. He promises to be near the broken-hearted and deliver and protect those who know His name (Psalm 92:14). He controls the winds and waves and says “I am God, and there is none like me . . . saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” (Isaiah 46:9–10).

When the pain and evil of the world seems overwhelming, it only further points us to the great need this broken world has for a Savior–a Savior who entered into a fallen world to end sin and suffering forever by sacrificing himself. And in that we rejoice, “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:13-14).

May we groan together. But may we groan with hope.