Recently there has been some talk about a change in the nuclear posture of the United States and many are questioning if we are departing from our "Peace through Strength" military doctrine.
Many attribute this doctrine to President Ronald Reagan who definitely considered it to be central in both his military as well as foreign policy. Others attribute the doctrine all the way back to the Romans who had a phrase, “Si vis Pacem, para bellum (if you want peace, prepare for war).
While the Romans likely understood the concept, God has a slightly different prospective.
The prophet Isaiah, writing during the time of King Hezekiah and during a time of great military and political strength in Israel, wrote the following warning, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and who depend on horses! They trust in the number of chariots and in the great strength of charioteers. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel and they do not seek the Lord’s help. (Isaiah 31:1)
The Apostle Paul told that when we are weak, we are strong because the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles of this world make us dependent on God which is the source of true strength. Rather than becoming weaker, we become stronger.
So while for countries and with regard to military strength there may be “Peace through Strength”, for us personally we actually can have “Peace through Weakness”. Paul tells the Corinthians about a particular weakness that he had. Paul said that three times he appealed to the Lord. “But He (the Lord) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
