A young Marine whose name is lost to history was separated from his unit in the jungles of Saipan during a fierce battle of World War II. He crawled into a cave as the enemy approached and awaited the inevitable. The Japanese were meticulously flushing out and executing stragglers, and there was no chance they would overlook the Marine’s hideout. “Lord,” he prayed, “if it be your will, please protect me. But whatever your will, I love and trust you. Amen.”

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16

As he sat in terror while the enemy drew closer, he caught sight of a lone spider as it spun a strand of silk across the cave entrance. “Lord, what I need is a brick wall,” the Marine thought, “and you send me a spider web!” But when the Japanese approached a few minutes later, they looked at the cave entrance and continued on their way…reasoning that no one could be inside because the intricate and fragile spider web was undisturbed.

As you pray for America and her leaders today, remember that God’s ways are higher – and often quite different – than yours. It is not for you to question His means or His timing. Just do His will, pray ceaselessly, and trust that He will respond faithfully.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:1-8