North Africa: The Great Restlessness

North Africa: The Great Restlessness

Doesn’t it seem to you like North Africa is restless? In the last month, there has been continued civil unrest in Mali which threatens to spill over into Mauritania and Morocco. The Western Sahara issue continues to be unsettled. Government ministers in Morocco resigned from the Islamist party led coalition. Algeria fears for the health and life of its President and wonders what will happen when he dies one day. Tunisia has been rocked by assassinations, bombs and protests. Libya continues to suffer from lawlessness, protests and violence. Egypt is gripped by uncertainty over its leadership, stability and peace. North and South Sudan wrestle with conflict, violence and all it means to be new nations.

What is happening? It seems that this great restlessness is a sign of some deeper longings. People are unhappy with what has been happening in their nations. Are they looking for a saviour when they really need THE SAVIOUR? Let’s ask God this month for the restlessness in people’s hearts to cause many to stop and evaluate what they are actually longing for. May many recognize the emptiness in their hearts and souls and begin to look for the Truth that will fill it. Pray Jesus to reveal Himself as the God of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness and Self-Control. For those who already know Jesus, pray Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Ask God to keep holding back the darkness to allow more of His light to shine into North Africa.