It has been over a month since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In my heart, I struggle with this situation. Some part of me knew this was coming, but another part of me still can’t believe that it is real. We are getting almost daily updates from friends, partners, & pastors with photos and video footage that is terrifying and heart-wrenching. The danger for me of becoming paralyzed by fear and focused on the sadness of this humanitarian disaster is very real.
Yet as a child of God, deep in my heart, I simply cannot let go of the hope I have in Jesus. I have experienced God’s provision and care for me too many times to let go of my trust in Him. The trust I have in God’s ability to steer my life through any circumstance has built resiliency and persistence in me that
Today, the message I want to share that with you is one of resilience and persistence. I want to remind you that God offers that same hope to you. And as He often does, God gives you gifts over and above your own need so that you can share with others.
In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul writes this: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” We have probably all applied that verse during difficult or challenging times in our lives. But today, I want to examine this passage in context.
Paul also talks in this chapter about bearing each other’s burdens, sharing what we have with preachers of the Word, sowing into the lives of others as pleases the Spirit of God and not ourselves, and above all, to simply do good to all people at every opportunity.
The hope that we have been freely given in Christ was always meant to be shared. But we can’t share hope when we’re stuck in a place of fear, doubt, and anxiety. We must refocus our eyes on Christ and on eternity. We cannot give up. We can’t stop sharing Christ or giving to others in need.
Today, I am making a choice to stay focused on Jesus and to keep serving Ukrainians in need. Even though the outcome of this war in Ukraine is uncertain, I know that our pastors and leaders in Ukraine share that commitment. In the midst of the terrible images of war they forward, one common thread binds us together. With a strength that only comes from God, we will continue to reach and serve others in need.
I know God will open new doors for us to help thousands of suffering people. In fact, those doors are already opening with new partnerships and incredible new ministry opportunities. We only need to walk in His path. Will you join us? Support our Ukrainian Relief Fund today.
May God richly bless you for your open hearts,
