Bold Peace

Joel Balin
Jun 24
4 min read

With the events of the last week, it’s hard to resist hyperbole—so I’m just not gonna try.

The bombing raid on Iran’s nuclear facilities was the most significant military success since D-Day. And it was accomplished without a single reported casualty.

With half the country against him, many supporters doubting him, and global skepticism swirling, Donald Trump demonstrated the boldest leadership since Winston Churchill. In doing so, he may have prevented catastrophic war and saved not only Israel, but much of the world from future terrorism.

While many cowered, Trump went after this bully state head-on. History has shown that appeasement toward those bent on destruction doesn’t work. It takes a courageous leader to act when others retreat.

Just two weeks before brokering the first peace agreement ever between Israel and Iran, President Trump released an official White House message for Pentecost. Here are key excerpts:

“On Pentecost…the Holy Spirit descended upon His Apostles—empowering them to speak in tongues and proclaim the good news of the Gospel to lands and peoples near and far.

Equipped with the courage, clarity, and grace of Almighty God… the Apostles went on to withstand tremendous danger to bring hearts, minds, and souls to the Christian faith…

Under my leadership, we are protecting God in the public square and emboldening every believer to live their faith freely, openly, and without threat of persecution…

We pray that the Holy Spirit fills our Nation and her people with abundant grace—bringing us peace, protection, and God’s presence.

May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”

Then, after the U.S. military successfully eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Trump said in a televised address:

“I want to just thank everybody, and in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God… God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America.”

Two days later, after negotiating a ceasefire, Trump posted this on Truth Social:

“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”

He pronounced blessing—even on his enemies—and is still holding both nations accountable.

Donald Trump is not our Savior. But like King Cyrus, he is an instrument God is using to open nations for the gospel, protect Christian freedoms, and allow truth to be spoken without fear.

Scripture commands us to pray for leaders:

“Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.” — 1 Timothy 2:2

Righteous leadership leads to peaceful lives. And godly leaders confront evil.

“For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’” — Mark 6:18

John the Baptist didn’t flinch. He told the truth directly to power in public, even when it cost him his freedom—and eventually, his life.

Jesus, too, spoke with fiery clarity. He called corrupt leaders:

“Whitewashed tombs”
“Blind guides”
“Serpents”
“A brood of vipers”

He exposed hypocrisy with holy authority.

Today, we need leaders—spiritual and civil—who will do the same. In a world where evil masquerades as moral outrage and silence is called virtue, truth must roar.

If We Are to Be Courageous for the Kingdom, We Must…

Speak Boldly

“Though we had already suffered… we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel… in the midst of much conflict.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:2

True boldness comes from conviction in the face of conflict.

Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

“Now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” — Acts 4:29–31

Holy Spirit boldness doesn’t come from our own efforts. It comes from prayer, faith, and worship. Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit.

Overcome the Fear of Man

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” — Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man is a trap—a subtle prison that silences truth, waters down conviction, and trades courage for compromise. Only the fear of the Lord sets us free to speak with boldness and clarity.

Bring Peace

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18

The goal of boldness is not bravado—it’s peace. Real peace. The kind that only truth can bring. Whether between nations or neighbors, truth spoken in love opens the door for reconciliation.

President Trump’s ultimate goal wasn’t to see one side win, but to restore peace between two. We can do the same—in our families, communities, and churches—by courageously speaking the truth in love—encouraging all godliness and confronting evil.

Let’s pray for peace and for bold leaders.

And let’s be the ones who speak truth in love—empowered by the Spirit, anchored in scripture, and fearless in the face of opposition.