Dear Cathy,

That is a very common question at times like this, so I'm glad you asked it!

The quick answer is that God hasn't gone anywhere, He's right where He's always been, watching over His children and grieving over the sin of mankind.

Reading the Bible, we find that men and their leaders are capable of sinning against God, but even times of trouble and war are used by God in his overall plan for our lives.

Psalms 2:1-2, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed..."

Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I personally believe the military action America and 45 nations are supporting - is probably necessary.* The president of the United State is a believer in Christ, and has a wonderful testimony of Salvation. I truly believe that he is seeking God's wisdom - and God does give our leaders the obligation to protect their people and bring harm to evil doers.

Romans 13:3-4, "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

As those of us who believe in God, we are told to pray for our leaders - certainly not just when we agree with them - this command was given to believers who were under the tyrannical control of Roman rule.

1 Timothy 2:1-4, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

Wars and times of trouble don't diminish God's presence, they prove the need for Him in our lives. We live in a world given over to sin since Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden... and sin brings terrible consequences... war included. At times like this, we need to share our faith in Christ even more.

Pray for our leaders, and soldiers. Pray for the people of Iraq that they would soon be freed from a deadly dictatorship. And pray that their eyes would be open to knowing Jesus Christ as the one true God and Savior of the world.

If you don't have the peace of God through Salvation in Christ Jesus - please take a moment to read this.  God does love all of us.

May God bring you peace!

* RELATED: