When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7
On this day in 1961, the United States officially severed diplomatic relations with Cuba. Relations between the two nations had begun to decline in early 1959 after Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba. Tensions continued to mount as President Eisenhower’s administration financed and trained a group of Cuban exiles to overthrow the dictator in early 1960. Castro responded by increasing the nationalization of foreign property and companies, which led to the U.S. reducing trade with Cuba. The official diplomatic break was the culmination of these prior events, which led to further military conflict in Cuba. Relations between the two nations did not formally normalize until July 2015, over 50 years later. This conflict is a reminder to pray for wisdom for the president as he seeks peace and strong relationships between the U.S. and other nations.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For discernment for President Biden as commander in chief of the United States armed forces and for his military advisors.
- For Defense Secretary Austin and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as they evaluate information and intelligence to advise the president.
