There was a period of time prior to the full force of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 when things began to stir up. I would often beg my parents to let me go for a sleep over to my Grandmother’s house. Because of the unrest, a curfew was put in place all over Tehran. My parents would oblige, but then I grew so homesick that I would be driven home quickly before it was too late. And as reports of tanks and military patrolling the streets flood twitter today, these vivid memories come to mind again. My mom would sweetly tell me to smile and wave at the army men, in the same light and un-alarming tone I encourage my children to greet Firemen.

That stirring began as protests, turned into riots and eventually a full force revolution that changed the face of a nation and its course in history.

Today in Iran a new stirring has begun. Yet since the military, police and revolutionary guards are lurking the streets, it appears that fear may be creeping in as weariness and fatigue take their place.

Disappointment, death and grief each on their own is enough to bring a person to despair. However our friends in Iran are experiencing all of this at once. Think about how breathless you are when you see footage of Neda dying on the street. The despair you would feel had you known you too were there, just a few steps away. Imagine the rage that would rise up if you couldn’t properly mourn for loved ones.

Yet they still sit on roof tops each night chanting, “God is great” over and over again. God is great. God is great. God is great.

It makes me wonder, what would cause me to sit on top of my house, calling out the greatness of God all night long?

If you stop and ponder that for a few moments… the reality of the longing that is stirring up inside the soul of every person breathing those words just may set in.

The strategies of revolutionary wars and international relations have changed since 1979. The message we send to the people of Iran when they hear us speaking up for them, when they realize our eyes are on them, and when they hear we are praying for them…this is fuel for the fire.

The world is watching and when we hear words of despair, fear, increase in tension and increase in force, we should pray for the hope of the LORD to fill Iran. Pray for strength for the weary. Pray they would walk and not grow faint. Pray for courage to fight the good fight. Pray the destruction would cease, the oppressor be cast out and those who trample on undeserving people would be taken from the land.

Then continue to pray and make way for the LORD.




"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

“Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land, then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness."