Is God 'in the midst' of all conflicts?

I noticed whilst walking around the church that there was one very stark and bare display entitled, 'Where was God?' and it had this slogan pinned all over it. As a Christian this shocked me for a moment, who are we to question or challenge 'Where was God?' After all he had sent his son Jesus Christ to death for the remission of sins. 

Then I thought again and realised that for many people, this would be a normal reaction and a normal question to ask. I thought again and asked how I in my own humble way might answer such a question if put to me directly.

Firstly, I think we must all be thankful that God gave mankind his own free will with the sure knowledge that each and everyone is responsible for his/her actions whilst on this earth. I suppose to many that could be seen as a cop out. So where was God, and indeed where is he in any conflict?

Well, I see him in every wound that is bound, I see him in every relief of suffering, be it an amputation or the removal of a piece of shrapnel from a wounded soldiers body. I see him in every volunteer that went to the front to fight for our Christian standards.

I don't wish to glorify war in any way, but I see him in the victory; if the result was different would we have our own free will today? I doubt it. I see God in every prayer that was lifted to the heavens, and I see him in every fallen soldier.

Indeed I see him today in every visit to a grave and in every kind of commemoration be it a formal Church service or a mere personal thought or prayer. 

Why do contingents of the Royal British Legion and other such organisations gather at the cross year on year to give thanks for the armistice and for those who were either lost or who thankfully returned if God is not right in the midst of all the conflicts? 

Believe me, he is by your side right now - catch his hand and see what a difference it makes.

May we all keep the faith now and forever.

Paul Phillips,
Helston