Article October 1, 1966 Issue

An Individual Contribution to World Peace

CLYDE D. CAREY

In the face of tensions and conflicts in various parts of the world, patriotic and humanitarian individuals often ask themselves the question, "What can I do to help?" Viewed entirely from the standpoint of the material senses, conditions do seem at times to be running an erratic course wherein human efforts might appear to be almost futile. We hear the remark that a condition will last for many years, or that there is no solution in sight, or that the only possible outcome will be a stalemate.

Such predictions are reminiscent of the lament of the people of Israel in the time of the prophet Ezekiel, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." Ezekiel reversed this defeatism with divine authority, declaring that which God revealed to him: "The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision." Also God said, "There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done."^{Ezek. 12:22, 23, 28;}

It is interesting to recall that Christ Jesus, who never found himself perplexed by any human situation, foresaw that troublous times would come, that there would be "distress of nations ... men's hearts failing them for fear." Looking beyond the evidence of disturbing events, however, he foretold that men will "see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." And he said, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."^{Luke 21:25–28;} Was he not thus directing the attention of his hearers to the efficacy of righteous prayer? He knew that the power of God is omnipotent and that it can be proved universally as well as individually.