In times of global uncertainty and conflict, many believers find themselves asking, "What on earth is God doing?" While we may feel insulated from world events in our local communities, the spiritual reality is that we are engaged in a battle that transcends physical borders and political boundaries

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. The conflicts we see playing out on the world stage are manifestations of a deeper spiritual war between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of darkness. This eternal, unshakable kingdom within us is confronting lesser kingdoms that are being violently shaken in this hour.

Jesus warned us about these times in Matthew 24, describing nations rising against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. While nations rising against nations refers to geopolitical conflicts, kingdoms rising against kingdoms may point to the spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness.

Matthew 25:31-34 reveals why these events must occur:

"'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right,

'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'" - Matthew 25:31-34 (ESV)

Before the final judgment when Christ separates sheep nations from goat nations, we are currently in what could be called a "pre-trial hearing period." God is testing nations and their hearts, giving them opportunities to turn toward Him before the final judgment. This testing comes through various means - wars, natural disasters, and social upheaval - all designed to reveal where nations and peoples truly stand in relation to God's kingdom.

Remarkably, some of the greatest spiritual harvests are occurring in the most difficult circumstances. Iran, despite being in the midst of conflict, is experiencing more conversions to Christianity per hour than any other nation in the world, even surpassing China in this regard.

This aligns with Isaiah 60:1-3:

"'Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.'" - Isaiah 60:1-3 (ESV)

Asaph's prayer in Psalm 74 speaks prophetically about current events. He mentions "dark places of the earth" being "full of the haunts of cruelty" - the Hebrew word for cruelty being "Hamas." This prayer describes underground tunnel networks where violence operates, exactly matching Hamas's current operational methods.

Jeremiah 49:34-39 contains a specific prophecy about Elam (ancient Persia/modern Iran). God promises to "break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might" - likely referring to their nuclear weapons program and advanced missile systems.

The prophecy also speaks of scattering the Iranian people, which is happening as Persian Christians flee persecution and spread the Gospel to neighboring nations.

 Remarkably, God promises to "set up my throne in Elam" - not a political throne, but a spiritual one established through the worship of Iranian believers.

As believers, we have authority over the darkness around us. Satan's power was limited by Christ's sacrifice and cannot increase. When darkness seems to be growing stronger, it's often just the enemy's reaction to being exposed - making more noise as he loses ground.

Prayer should be specific and informed. We can pray against particular weapons systems, terrorist organizations, and evil networks by name. This includes praying for the destruction of advanced missile systems and the protection of innocent civilians caught in conflicts.

When circumstances appear darkest, it's often when God's light is about to shine brightest. The contrast between increasing darkness and God's rising light creates opportunities for His glory to be revealed in unprecedented ways.

God specializes in transforming the worst situations into testimonies of His goodness. Places once used for evil can become centers of worship and ministry. This redemptive power extends to nations, peoples, and individuals who seem beyond hope.

Life Application This week, commit to becoming an informed intercessor for global events. Instead of being overwhelmed by world news or ignoring it entirely, approach current events through the lens of God's kingdom purposes.

Practical steps:

• Pray specifically for Israel's protection and blessing, including God's loving correction
• Intercede for the destruction of evil networks and terrorist organizations 
• Ask God to redeem and restore the Iranian people 
• Pray for wisdom for world leaders making critical decisions • Remember that your prayers have authority over darkness

Remember that we serve the God who changes times and seasons, removes kings and raises up others. He knows what is hidden in darkness, and His light dwells in Him. Our role is to partner with Him through prayer, standing in the gap for nations and peoples who desperately need His intervention and redemption.