A Lebanese pastor told us about the dramatic developments happening in his country. “The most important thing is that for the first time since Hezbollah’s existence, the government made a decision and said that the military wing of Hezbollah is illegal,” he said.
The Lebanese army has been ordered to take action if they find any Hezbollah fighting or taking up arms, anywhere in the world, and even the IDF has the green light to tackle the terror group in Lebanon. It is an extraordinary development.
“The government has made a very brave decision, which is a real answer to prayer. We’ve been praying for this for a long time. Finally, our government had the boldness to say it,” the pastor said. However, he and thousands of others are in grave danger trying to leave battle zones before they are destroyed. They need our prayers urgently.
Hezbollah is not merely a militia force but also part of the political system in Lebanon with representatives in government, but while the political side of Hezbollah will stay in place, the military wing has been banned. Unsurprisingly, the terror group has ignored the ruling, sending multiple missiles into Israel and dragging the country into war against America and Israel.
Many Lebanese, and even those from Shiite backgrounds have been growing increasingly angry with Hezbollah for fighting, an ill-advised war for Iran’s benefit, not for Lebanon, the pastor explained, saying that he learned more about attitudes on the ground from some Muslim background believers who had come to faith from Shiite background.
There has already been massive destruction and loss for Lebanon, and people feel they are being yanked into a war they don’t want. Just as the vast majority of Iranians would prefer peace with Israel, he estimated that 80 to 85% of Lebanese don’t want war.
“Only a minority who are suicidal, they’re going all in for it, and that’s the ugly part of it, dragging millions of people to die. It’s so selfish,” the pastor protested. “It’s forcing you to be in a world that you don’t want to be in.”
Israel has been sending messages in Arabic to Lebanese civilians, warning them to leave areas where Hezbollah has been operating: “The IDF do not want to hurt you. If you are present in a building used by Hezbollah, you should leave,” and outlining the areas of danger. But of course, the destruction affects everyone, all on account of the terror group which has hijacked the nation. Up until now, that is.
“In a way there’s this excitement in our hearts. We feel like it’s going to be something big. It’s not going to be easy days, but I can see an end of this evil spirit,” he said.
“For the first time people in Lebanon, they started to see it’s an evil spirit because why do you want to fight after all this loss? The way they’re fighting, they’re suicidal.”
Just as Iran has been lashing out at multiple Middle Eastern countries and making some perplexing decisions, it was Hezbollah that sent those drones to hit Cyprus, inviting Europe to join the war at the expense of the Lebanese people.
“It’s an evil spirit… an ancient spirit that’s been over this area,” says the pastor, adding that it seems to be going crazy now that it is losing its grip, wanting to inflict as much harm as possible. “It’s not human. What we’re fighting is evil spirits, and we need to understand this. We need to know how to pray. We need to pray against those spiritual authorities to be broken.”
Your prayers are very much appreciated.
▫️Pray for everyone trying to evacuate and flee areas in under Hezbollah control — for safety, especially families with young children, elderly, or disabled people to be protected by God.
▫️Pray for protection, especially for believers.
▫️Pray for provision — that people would have their needs met spiritually, emotionally and financially.
▫️Pray that God would get the victory, and that Lebanon would soon have peace and prosperity once again.
FROM A LEBANESE CHRISTIAN LEADER & MINISTRY PARTNER:
Hezbollah decided to join the war against Israel despite the Lebanese government’s stated intention. As a result the IDF immediately ordered the evacuation of 53 towns across Lebanon. We watched villages being destroyed and people driving or marching in a new exodus. Makeshift shelters (public schools) were opened around the country and thousands upon thousands are flocking in, leaving the south of Lebanon and the Beirut suburbs.
I felt weary saying; Here we go again!
This is not our first round and yet every time it’s new as uncertainties keep mounting. How many? How long? How much? How close?
The IDF chief of staff stated that they have moved into an offensive phase against Hezbollah and warns that the campaign is expected to continue for many days.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait have been targeted and are now retaliating and taking the offensive.
But for us now, we have civilians at our doorsteps and a crisis on our hands. We are making a plan with other organizations to work together on a response plan and praying for wisdom, strength, safety and finances.
Would you join us praying for Lebanon, Israel, the Iranian people who are held hostage by their own government and the whole Arab nations?
May a revelation of Messiah come to them now in the midst of chaos.
May the prince of peace bring peace in troubled hearts.
and May we see this evil regime bow to the name of Jesus.
