The Invasion of Ukraine: Where Is God?

Like many of you, I’ve been glued to the news and social media witnessing as the horrific invasion of Ukraine by Russia unfold.

It’s been utterly distressing to watch the pain of others being inflicted by such a ruthless individual.

As a believer, I find myself asking how can a God watch this as well? How can He continue to allow this without intervening – especially when there are many  Jewish communities living in Ukraine?

Here is a passage from the book of Psalm, by David:

Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,

  “Let us burst their bonds apart

and cast away their cords from us.”

  He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

and terrify them in his fury, saying,

  “As for me, I have set my King

on Zion, my holy hill.”

  I will tell of the decree:

The Lord said to me, ^b“You are my Son;

today I have begotten you.

  Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.

  You shall break² them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

  Now therefore, O kings, be wise;

be warned, O rulers of the earth.

  Serve the Lord with fear,

and rejoice with^htrembling.

  Kiss the Son,

lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,

for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

• Psalm 2: 1-12

What do these verses mean?

The following words come from an article written by  Steven Cole:

“Since the beginning of time, the world has known strife. The history of man is essentially the history of war.

Is the world out of control? How should we view the present world chaos?

Even though the world scene looks as if God has been on an extended vacation, David shows us that God’s plans have not failed and shall not fail. Everything is under His sovereign control and He will ultimately triumph in His ordained time. Thus David appeals to the rebellious nations to bow before the Almighty God while they still have time.”

(Source: Psalm 2: Is the World Out of Control?)

I can’t speak for the Russian people, but what I’ve seen from Putin – he doesn’t look like he’s ready to repent anytime soon.

So, what does God say about evil leaders like Putin who seems to thrive and revel in the pain on others?

“It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” – Deuteronomy 32:35

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelations 21:8

God sees what is being done to the people of Ukraine and in His time Putin and his followers will feel His Holy wrath.

We’re living in the Age of Technology with social media such as Twitter where we become witness to events across the globe – live as they unfold over time.

This can be so distressing and traumatic. Watching as fellow human beings are being attacked and brutally killed. We feel so helpless and angry.

The nature of man can be so evil – the result of sin.

Satan has control over the lost – including Putin and his minions.

As believers in Christ, our greatest power is through the act of prayer.

Through ceaseless prayer, we hope and ask that God will bring the people of Ukraine out of this horrific onslaught and into lasting peace.

If God choose not to do this, we can rest assure that He has a Master Plan in the works and that whatever happens to Ukraine, those responsible will face God’s wrath for all eternity.

A Prayer for Ukraine:

Heavenly Father, hear our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

Lord we ask for peace for those who need peace, reconciliation for those who need reconciliation and comfort for all who don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Lord may your Kingdom come, and Your will be done. 

Lord God, we ask for you to be with all – especially children who are suffering as the crisis in Ukraine deteriorates. Lord for those who are anxious and fearful. For those who are bereaved, injured or who have lost their lives. And for those who have lost loved ones. Lord hear our prayers.

Lord, we ask that decisions makers hear Your voice. Parents protecting their families – deciding whether to stay or leave. Church leaders as they support and comfort people. And Lord we ask for wise actions from global leaders – who have the power not only to start wars, but to stop them too.  

And Father God we cry out for an end to this crisis. For mercy, peace, and truth – because You are light, hope, power, and love. Amen. 

(source: A Prayer for Ukraine)