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Under Siege
In the summer of 1948, the first major crisis of the Cold War began. The divided city of Berlin was located within East Germany — a zone controlled by the Soviets. West Berlin, however, was governed by those aligned with the Western powers (Britain, France and the United States). In June 1948, the Soviets decided to flex their muscle and cut off rail, road and water access to West Berlin. For almost nine months, the Western nations had to airlift supplies to counteract the siege. At the height of the Berlin Airlift, a plane was landing in West Berlin with supplies every 45 seconds[1].
While the Berlin Blockade crisis impacted the citizens and was a major international crisis, it wasn’t novel when compared to history. From the ancient city of Troy to the Alamo, sieges have been a common military tactic throughout the centuries.
How do you think it would feel to live in a city under siege? You would be cut off from the rest of the world. Nothing could make it through the enemy lines – no food, water, or reinforcements. You would feel utterly alone and helpless.
David recognizes this feeling and writes in Psalm 27:
“Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.”
Psalm 27:3, NIV
Because our trust is in the Lord, we can face something like a siege without fear. The important thing to focus on is not a vague faith, things will eventually get better; the important thing is in whom we put our faith! As Christians, we do not simply believe that we will be delivered from distress; we believe that it is God who will deliver us. (And we believe that God has already begun our deliverance through the work of Jesus Christ!)
As you pray today, ask that God will help deliver all of those around the world who are trapped in war zones. Pray that enemies will reconcile. Pray that justice will be done and lasting peace be found.
[1] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/berlin-airlift
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