I learned about the Saturday Hamas attacks in Israel later in the day. I have friends living in Israel, and the images of civilians being indiscriminately targeted and abducted are sickening. I was relieved to learn that all the disciples in our church there were safe. I also have a Palestinian friend who lives in Gaza; he was my college roommate. His name is Issa, the Arabic name for Jesus. Issa dedicated many years to working for the United Nations, serving underprivileged communities worldwide, before retiring in his hometown of Gaza. I worry for his safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is constant trouble in this world, Jesus called it and added an important promise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world<\/em>.\u201d \u2013 John 16:33 <\/p>\n\n\n\n This war isn’t the sole conflict underway. Bloodless battles are happening on multiple fronts around us and in us \u2013 political, economic, and relational, all ultimately spiritual in nature. These conflicts ebb and flow, but they never truly vanish. Inner peace is the one aspect of our lives we have complete control over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I speak from personal experience, having lived through a military coup in Chile, the civil war in Mozambique, and the fall of the USSR in Russia. I know firsthand what it feels like to be in mortal danger, to have no certainty, and to be a refugee seeking safety and asylum. As an evangelist and entrepreneur, I am convinced of this: If we are to be world changers and have impact in this world, cultivating a resilient, creative, and peaceful inner game is not optional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and coaching professionals in the church is a passion of mine. If you\u2019re looking to learn more about growing in your inner game, here are a few things you may enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n