March 31…deal or no deal?  That is the question.  As time draws near and I keep my eye on reports, I find very disturbing news at virtually every turn.

• Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei calls for “Death to America” while John Kerry touts “substantial progress” toward a nuclear agreement with Iran. Why does the US insist on negotiating with a regime overtly voicing their desire to destroy us?
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), typically less-than-diligent in accurately assessing and reporting on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, reports that Iran has “failed to provide the information or access needed to allay the agency’s concerns about the weapons potential of the country’s nuclear program.” Coming from an agency that generally under-reports Iranian nuclear threats, that is a huge announcement.  Yet, world leaders continue to believe Iran will abide by stipulations of a nuclear deal.
• Now news breaks that Yemen’s president has fled in the wake of a military coup led by the Houthis, a radical Shia group supported and funded by Iran. Yemen is on the southern border of Saudi Arabia, posing a very significant threat to an American ally.  A 10-nation coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and friendly to the US, has been formed to combat the radical take-over attempt.  Though the US has military bases and considerable interests in the region, they have committed no resources beyond intelligence.

• The very latest news on nuclear negotiations indicates that US negotiators are dramatically caving in to very dangerous Iranian demands, such as allowing Iran to keep secret the full range of nuclear activities, and continue operating nuclear centrifuges beyond the need for simply “peaceful” purposes. For decades, Iran has lied about its nuclear program.  What makes us think they are trustworthy now?

Honestly, in situations like these, I find myself ashamed to be an American.  However, I am reminded that we serve a God mightier than rogue regimes, more reliable than wayward government leaders, and most assuredly faithful to fulfill His promises!  We are not left with despair, but with hope in Jesus Christ.

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
~Psalm 146:3-5

Believers, we know the source of all hope personally, so let’s make the most of that relationship!  Our prayers are “smart bombs” guided by our Heavenly Commander in Chief, so unleash them!

Blessings friends!