When the World Went to War

I was recently watching a documentary on Hitler and World War II when something caught my attention. The narrator mentioned that about 70 countries were involved in that war!

This was not simply a handful of nations, it was a global storm that swept across continents and drew in people from nearly every corner of the world.

World War II lasted from September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945. It began when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the official start.

The war ended with Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It was the deadliest and most widespread conflict in human history, involving over 70 countries and resulting in an estimated 70 to 85 million deaths. That is almost too much for me to wrap my mind around.

When I think of World War II, I have often pictured the major powers: the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union. But 70 countries involved in the conflict? Never crossed my mind. That number might sound surprising to you as well, but it reflects the truly global scale of the war.

According to my online research, over 30 countries took direct part in the fighting, including, not only European and Asian powers but, nations from Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Even more countries were drawn in through colonial ties. Nations such as India, Australia, Canada, and South Africa, all part of the British Empire, contributed troops, resources, and support.

Colonies in Africa and Southeast Asia became battlegrounds or strategic bases. Occupied countries such as Poland, France, and Norway played significant roles through resistance movements or governments-in-exile.

Some smaller nations even declared war in solidarity with allies or were forced into the conflict through invasion or political pressure. (sources: britannica.com and nationalww2museum.org

In total, about 70 nations were involved in some capacity: fighting, supporting, resisting, or enduring the devastating effects of brutal war.

World War II was not just a war of armies and leaders; it was a war that touched nearly every corner of the globe.

I could not help but hear that verse from Matthew where Jesus warned, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places” Matthew 24:7 NKJV

Jesus had left the Temple and as he was walking, the disciples were pointing out how very impressive the temple architecture was. That led to quite the conversation but I want to skip to the part where he plainly told them what to watch for. The Message Version of that conversation:

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:1-14 NLT

World War II stands as a sobering reminder of this prophecy. It was more than a political or military struggle, it was a global upheaval echoing the words of Christ..."nation will rise up against nation."

Events like this call us to stay alert, grounded in faith, and aware of the times we live in. Do you believe in Jesus? He believes in you! He loves you with a love we cannot begin to fathom and, He is coming back.

History is not unfolding by chance. God’s Word reminds us to look beyond the headlines and recognize the spiritual significance of world events. "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28 ESV

by Jeanette Stark - Wednesday, May 28, 2025