In God We Trust, right?

Last night, President Bush presented his new plan to win the war in Iraq. The plan asks for more troops and more responsibility for the Iraqi government. I'm not sure what to think of it, and I'm thankful not to be the leader of our nation during these days. Of course the Democrats don't like it (what DO they like?). But setting the politics aside, let's think 'Christianly' about Iraq.

Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." This proverb summarizes the Bible's teaching on God's sovereignty over military victories. All throughout the Old Testament we see God delivering some armies over in defeat while giving other armies a mighty victory. In every case, we must accept the truth that God is in control of the battlefields - even Iraq's.

I am not knowledgeable enough to know if President Bush's new plan is the right plan. But I do know that few of our politicians - on either side of the aisle - seem to understand Psalm 33:16-17, "The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue." More troops and more aircraft carriers aren't ultimately what win a war. A different strategy and a better, bi-partisan plan aren't ultimately what win a war. We can (and should) do all we can to succeed in Iraq, but Christians must remember that our hope for success lies, not in the plans of George W. Bush or the ideas of Nancy Pelosi, but in the mighty hands of God.

I'm afraid that the current political tensions that run so high in our nation are causing believers in Christ to begin placing their hope and trust in a certain party or a certain politician. I know I've been tempted to do this. But parties succeed and fail. Politicians come and go. Agendas are discussed and then forgotten. As Christians, we know the One who holds the governments and leaders and political plans in the palm of His hand (Proverbs 21:1). We have a personal relationship with the One who will either give our nation victory in Iraq or withhold it. So why are we banking everything on the White House? We don't need to sit around and hope George Bush makes the right decisions. His decisions are in the all-sufficient, all-encompassing will of the God whom we call "Father."

So as the news programs and the politicians debate and bicker over the ins and outs of this new plan, let's remember who really determines the outcome of the Iraq War and let's ask Him to carry out His good and perfect plan.