Christoph Blumhardt
“And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places and there will be famines, but this is only the beginning of the sufferings…The gospel must first be preached to all nations…Everyone will hate you because of me. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” –Mark 13:7-8, 10, 13
Lord our God, Ruler over the world, whose longing is to see your thoughts and your will in all peoples, we come before you and ask that we may find strength in your Word and never cease to hope for the coming of your kingdom. Even when the world storms and rages, even when the kingdoms of men rise up against each other and everything seems dark, even then be present. Let your kingdom go quietly forward, to the honor of your name. Help us come closer to the goal Jesus has shown us, closer to the time we wait for, the day of his coming when all shall be made new and good through your power, through your Spirit. Amen.
