On The Throne

I'm a news junkie right now.  I am consistently checking for stories on Russia, Ukraine, and what's happening in the conflict.  I even wake up in the middle of the night to check the latest news.  I've been praying for a peaceful resolution to minimize loss of life.  It is so sad to watch, and terrifying to think of the possibility of another world war.

At church last week, we prayed for the Ukraine.  We even paid to evacuate several pastors from the Ukraine.  It didn't feel like enough.  

My children are from Russia.  I've spent a significant amount of time in Russia.  The entire situation is surreal.  

Tonight I turned off the television, went onto the back deck of my home, and watched the sunset.  I couldn't help but contrast my view with the sky views in Ukraine, with bombs and ammunition lighting up the night sky.  I am very blessed as I sit on my quiet, peaceful deck.

While I pray for an end to war, I am reassured knowing that someday Christ is going to return and put an end to all of this.  God knows the exact date.  He hears our prayers with a tender heart, and our prayers are important.  When He returns, He's going to make all things new.

Matthew 24:6-7  You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

As I watch the news, though, there's another side that is shining through the darkness.  The Ukranian people have shown a determination to protect and defend their country.  The citizens are willing to risk their lives to protect their freedoms, and the freedoms of their children.  

The Ukraine is united, pulling together for one cause, and they're not backing down.  In some ways, perhaps, they are blessed to know who they really are.  I'm sure they feel fear, but they're not bowing to it.  There's a resolve in their heroism, a freedom in their lack of fear.  

I can't help but think they're an example for unity right now.  In fact, the unity of the Ukranian people should inspire the Christians around the world.  These brave men and women are fighting for their freedom, unified in one cause, and they're standing their ground. You know, sitting back and watching everything unfold is purposeless without learning from it.  

I pray for the tensions rising, the Russian people, and most certainly for the country of Ukraine.  But, even as the fears pervade and the anxiety heightens, one thing's for certain.

Christ is still on the throne.