Seeing the images of so many from Ukraine fleeing from the fighting and displaced from their homes is painful to see. Young children clinging to their weary care-givers, looking for somewhere safe to stay, leaving their home behind – it’s hard to imagine, let alone write about. One story showed an 11-year-old boy who travelled alone for almost 700 miles to Slovakia with just a passport and a plastic bag. His mother was too ill to leave and was caring for her disabled mother.
Joni Eareckson Tada spoke with Galyna, one of Joni and Friends partners in Ukraine, who is helping Ukrainians with disabilities:
Civilians are caught up in the conflict and it seems hard to have hope when continuous fighting is all around. But prayer is powerful and Ukrainian believers are putting their hope and trust in the Lord, casting their very lives into His hands. Practical help is happening on the ground with countless stories that never make the news. Stories of courage, hospitality and care. But also stories of loss of life, home and belongings.
Dr. Krish Kandiah is leading a new initiative in the UK called ‘The Sanctuary Foundation‘ to find sponsors for Ukrainian refugees coming to the UK. It’s a partnership between registered charities, churches and other agencies to support those fleeing injustice and war. Find out more by watching the video below or watching the Ukraine Humanitarian Sponsorship Information Evening here:
Many of us in the West are used to living in peace and comfort, but conflicts are prevalent across the world today and throughout history. Evil is a reality in this world that we see on our smartphones and 24/7 access to news. The longing for peace and justice to reign and for wickedness to come to an end is a God-given design within us. When humans are rightly outraged at the senseless killing of others, we are reflecting something of what it means to be made in the image of God. If we feel outraged about the gross injustices and suffering we see around us, we need to know how much more God does.
It’s also worth noting that there is more to every story than what we read or watch online. Many situations in the world are complex, but the bottom line and the root cause of every injustice toward others is sin.
Whilst we still have today, we need to take a look at our own life and consider if there is more to life than this. We need to give thought to the big questions like ‘Why am I here? Is there life after death?’ And If God is real, why is there so much suffering? (click the link for a short two-minute video).
For Christians, we are reminded that this world in all of its brokenness is not our home. For those who do not follow Jesus, there is a home, a hope and a future for you if you trust in Him. He welcomes sinners. He died for sinners. We are all dead in our sin, but Jesus gives us new life.
A refuge and place of safety
In these times of uncertainty, trial and fear, let us look to the Lord Jesus who died on the cross for sin, taking our place so that we can come to know God and be with Him forever. Jesus overcame the power of death by rising from the grave. He is alive today and He will return. There will be a new heaven and earth where the evil one, Satan, will be no more. There are spiritual forces at work in the world, but the battle is already won. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, waiting to return. We do not know when He is coming back, but we do know that when it happens, God’s people will be with Him forever and there will be no more pain, suffering, mourning, weeping or death. That is an everlasting promise and the hope for believers for an eternal future in God’s presence.
If you have faith in Jesus, look to Him alone, pray for those who need help, and if you are able to practically support refugees or anyone in need, do so. Remember to share the hope that you have which outlasts all of these temporary, painful shifts we see in the world around us.
If you do not yet trust in Christ, perhaps now is a time to reflect on your life and the world around and ask those bigger questions about meaning and purpose in it all. I would urge you to come to Jesus whilst we still have this day.
This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
Psalm 91:2 NLT
An Anchored Hope 