Pray for Peace and Faith in the Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

The Prophet Isaiah made this prophecy during difficult times for the people of God. They were in a dark place and God used Isaiah to provide hope to a broken people. As we witness the endless conflicts around the world that are streamed through various media outlets, we see a world in constant turmoil. People are overwhelmed with the unsettling climate in our world. We all know people whether family members, friends, colleagues or neighbors who are dealing with anxiety, depression and fear. We know some people who are seeking out pastoral or professional counseling to help navigate the overwhelming feelings of despair. 

The Prophet Isaiah’s prophecy captured in the above passage of scripture should provide us with hope, faith and peace during these difficult times. He tells us, “to us a child is born, to us a son is given”. We know that this is no ordinary birth because he was born and given to us. All mankind during that present time and in the future would benefit from the birth of this wonderful child Isaiah speaks about. He is also spoken about in the New Testament. Luke 2:11 (ESV) “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.  John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”.

As Christians we should be encouraged that the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled according to scripture. We should also be encouraged that Isaiah tells us that “the government shall be upon his shoulders”. The political climate in America and around the world is very volatile. However, all forms of government, whether monarchy, republic, parliamentary, democracy, etc. all rest on his shoulders. He is in control and still sits on His throne.  

Isaiah goes on to tell us that he will be called by four distinctive names which provide us with hope, faith and peace. He will be called “Wonderful Counselor”. The word wonderful in this context provides the overtone of deity. It’s helpful for us to seek out wise pastoral or professional counsel in these difficult times. However, the counsel the Lord provides cannot be compared. The promises in God’s word bring comfort and stability to us when we trust in Him. Psalm 119:105 (ESV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

“Mighty God”, there is no one like Him. He is the one true God, period. He knows how we feel in these chaotic times and knows our needs. There is nothing he cannot overcome in our lives. No problem or challenge we may face is too difficult for him to handle.  “Everlasting Father”, there is no greater Father than the Lord and he has proven it throughout all the generations.  

He is the “Prince of Peace” which has no boundaries. With all the conflicts raging in the world, not only can he provide us with peace internally (Philippians 4:6-7), He can bring peace in every conflict in America and the world. As we participate in this twenty-one day fast, let us continue to pray for God's peace to intervene in the various conflicts around the world in Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Taiwan, Ukraine, etc. Please pray that His peace will bring repentance, reconciliation and healing. 

Craig Holliday
Ministry Director, CU Lumine (Columbia University)