When The World Shakes…

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

The news of Ukraine’s invasion by Russia on February 24 four years ago remains one of the most heartbreaking events I have ever witnessed.

It came at a time when the world was still struggling to recover from a global pandemic that had wreaked havoc and claimed millions of lives. It was a dark chapter in our history. The suffering has not ended. Lives are still being lost.

And now, here we are again, watching another war unfold in the Middle East.

From the Philippines, we see it through screens and headlines, yet we know its impact will ripple far beyond the region. No nation stands untouched when conflict erupts. In today’s interconnected world, every war becomes everyone’s concern.

When news broke of Iran being attacked by Israel and the United States, followed by Iran’s retaliation against key locations in neighboring countries, fear gripped my heart.

My thoughts immediately turned to friends and family in Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates.

While I experience peace and freedom in my own country, my heart aches for those living closer to the tension, especially the people of Iran who find themselves caught in the middle of political and military turmoil.

Though my loved ones are currently safe, they have shared their anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding them. Flights from Europe and other parts of the world have been canceled.

I worry about my friends traveling from Switzerland to the Philippines for our church conference this March, as their route includes Qatar Airways. Travel plans now feel fragile, again.

How uncertain the world feels. How quickly peace can give way to chaos. In a world where evil exists, wars seem inevitable.

Yet this I know: these moments, as devastating as they are, are temporary.

Though discouraged by the news, I find hope in the good news I hold onto. In my quiet moments of devotion, I am reminded that while there is an enemy whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, divide and dismantle.

There is also a God whose mission is to revive, redeem, and restore. Scripture assures us that He binds up the brokenhearted, restores what is shattered, and makes all things new.

Evil may wreak havoc across the globe–from pandemics to wars–but God is bigger. God is stronger. God is greater. He is sovereign. He is good. He is in control. These are truths I will declare again and again.

It may seem that we are merely spectators to the terror unfolding before us, powerless to change it. But we are not without a role. We can intercede. Prayer is not passive; it is powerful.

And this is the prayer that burns in my heart:

Lord, we lift up the people of Iran, Israel, and the entire Middle East.

Bring comfort to those who mourn and protection to those in danger. Let evil be overcome by good. Let love triumph over hatred.

Grant wisdom to leaders, that they may choose peace over revenge and reconciliation over retaliation. Prince of Peace, reign over the nations. Let peace prevail where chaos threatens to reign.

May this be a time when we unite in prayer for the nations. Though we may be divided by language, race, culture, religion, or color, we share one humanity.

When one part suffers, we all feel the ache. Let us remember our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, not only in words, but in prayer and compassion.

The brokenness we see can feel overwhelming. But may we never forget: God is sovereign, and He is working even when we cannot see it.

While we may not be able to stop every act of injustice or erase every pain, we can choose kindness. We can stand in the gap. We can pray.

When the world shakes, we pray. I believe that prayer is where peace begins.