TSL #5 - The Mercy of War

In TSL #5, we find Wormwood delighting in the development of World War II. He believes this event, the type which leads to the "anquish and bewilderment of the human soul," will draw his subject further away from the faith as evidence by his sleepless nights. But Screwtape reminds him that his real purpose is not temporal discomfort but rather, "the business of underminig faith and preventing the formation of virtues."

And war is often a deterrent, not a catalyst, to that end. In fact, God's mercy can often be found in the battlefield - not because he sanctions violence, but rather, because our hearts are most vulnerable in those moments when we accept our mortality.

As Lewis states, "[i]n wartime, not even a human can believe he is going to live forever."

There are some who suggest that 4,000 deaths in a current conflict are unacceptable. In some respects I agree - even one is too many for the family and friends of that one. But in the midst of crisis and conflict, God prompts us to seek causes and virtures higher than self.

What was the resulft of 9/11? Anger, fear, uncertainty no doubt. But it also brought many individuals to their knees, not just in anquish and despair, but in prayer. Because it is at those moments that God helps us understand these basic truths:

• We are not going to live forever
• Life can be cruel and unjust and painful
• We need a savior and redeemer

So when those sleepless nights come, let us turn to the one whose mercies are new every morning.

Great is Thy Faithfulness, oh Lord our God.