As the war continues in Ukraine, millions have lost their homes, thousands have perished and/or have been horribly wounded. The situation consumes my heart. Millions of women and children are alone as their husbands and Dads stay in Ukraine to fight for their country. While the United States has agreed to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees into our country, and will donate $1 billion to help European countries deal with the surge of migrants fleeing Russia’s invasion, there are still millions forced to flee their country with no idea of what will happen or where they will eventually go. This is a very sad time for us all with perhaps much ahead of us. We simply do not know today what Vladimir Putin will do as he continues this assault.
While we watch, The Word of God is our refuge and where we must go for guidance. Today let’s look at Romans, Chapter 5. There we draw spiritual wisdom in the duality that is those of us attempting to help from the sidelines and the people of Ukraine who are doing the actual fighting. The great Apostle Paul wrote of Peace and Hope. Here, he wrote, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
“Boast” here means only to believe in hope for the situation and trust to the very depths of us. Every person on Earth NOT having to do the actual fighting in this war stands in the grace God has allowed us for whatever His reasons are. To have peace with God under such circumstances means to acknowledge this, thank Him for our roles in the process, and continue to give anything we can from where we are positioned – prayers, financial aid, volunteering to help meet all the massive needs.
Our prayer for those suffering in Ukraine is that, despite their devastation, they will see so many in the world care and that they will be able to believe this next part of the passage that says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
The Ukrainians continue to exhibit perseverance in suffering to a degree rarely seen.
This is a terrible and horrible thing that is going on there but the Lord IS in it all with them. He knows and sees what is happening to His people. He knows each one of them whether they know Him or not. He cares, He will help them, and there will be justice for the innocents. We do not know how or when but, because we know Him, we know it will be so.
Let us know without question, Christ died for all who came to earth. Let us pray for each of those hurting, knowing the Lord is with them. May their faith sustain and may they be delivered soon.
Poppa