It’s Saturday morning in KC. Most of us will be getting up and enjoying the comforts of our homes. We might even be a bit thankful for the furnace that is working to keep the house warm, the electricity for our lights and appliances, the water to make our coffee, and the security we feel in our homes and neighborhoods. However, on the other side of the world it is not like that. The people in Ukraine are fighting for their lives while being attacked mercilessly by Russian forces. Reading the news again this morning, seeing the posts from friends that have relatives in Ukraine, wondering what it is going to take to end this appalling and brutal attack on the people of Ukraine. It is not just buildings, bridges, and airports, it is the people that are being attacked. People like you and me that just wanted to live in peace, go to work, raise their families and give their kids a better future. Sadly, the war seems to intensify with each passing day. In the modern era, with cellphones, internet, etc., we now get updates of the atrocities in real time. It is heartbreaking. Thus far, all of the strategizing, sanctions, warnings, council meetings, etc. have not succeeded in stopping the war. In some ways, it may even be emboldening Putin and his lackeys. It goes to show that you can have the greatest weapons of warfare, the largest and best military forces in the world, a coalition of nations unified against the war, issue so-called crippling economic sanctions, and yet, thus far, evil continues to run rampant. It reminds me a little of after 9/11 when President Bush declared a “war on terror.” Obviously, you can’t defeat terror or evil with a gun. Although it may be effective at slowing those that are seeking to perpetrate it. However, we must keep in mind the ultimate source of evil, that is Satan himself.
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
In reality, evil was defeated at the cross of Calvary. One day, there will be peace. But until then, nations will rise against nations, there will be wars and rumors of war, there will be hatred, discord, murder, and the manifestation of evil in a myriad of ways. And, in the midst of that, the Gospel will go forth. Through Christ, many will have their hearts changed. Many will seek the good of their fellow man and not evil.
So, what can we do today? Start with prayer. Pray that this senseless war would stop. Pray for the safety of the Ukrainian people. Ask God to meet their other needs as well. Pray that more and more of the Russian soldiers would lay down their weapons. Pray that Putin would stop or be stopped. Pray for the world leaders to have wisdom in all decisions. Ask God to lead you as you send support to any relief efforts. Pray that your own heart would be right and that you would overcome evil in your own life.
Here is a prayer list from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website:
1. Pray for an end to the conflict.
2. Pray for peace in Jesus Christ.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid. —John 14:27
3. Pray for decision makers—presidents, leaders, and authorities. Pray for wisdom and discernment, and that they would make decisions that are good for the people they represent.
First of all, then I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority… —1 Timothy 2:1-2
A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lords hand He directs wherever He chooses. —Proverbs 21:1
4. Pray for the people of Ukraine. Whether they are sheltering from bombs or escaping to neighboring countries, they are suffering tremendously. Everything is uncertain, their lives are at risk, and they need our prayers.
5. Pray for the church. Pray that the believers will be strengthened and united in their faith, and that they would proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
6. Pray for Samaritan’s Purse as we respond in Jesus’ Name. Pray that God will lead and guide our disaster response specialists, and that every individual that we help will experience God’s love through the hands of those who serve them.
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
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