HOPE IS ON THE WAY

I woke up at 2:30 AM worried about the war in Ukraine. Will our Christian friends and pastors be safe? How will they cope, what are their options? Ukrainians are dear to my heart, they are very special people. I remember one of the most powerful worship encounters I experienced occurred in Kyiv, Ukraine. It was a Sunday morning and I preached on how much God loves the new song.

After the message my team lead us in singing spontaneous praise to God. Suddenly we felt a powerful presence in the room. We stopped playing our musical instruments and bowed before the Lord. The congregation continued to sing loudly in hundreds of melodies expressing praise to God in Ukrainian, English, and heavenly languages. We were all stunned and felt the power of God and the presence of heavenly beings. The congregation continued singing for about ten more minutes without any help from the platform. Jesus was singing in the midst of us as it says in Hebrews 2:12 and His bride was responding.

I wonder how those brothers and sisters are doing today. Are they still alive, hiding in the subway, or in Poland trying to find food and safety? Those worshipping men are probably fighting in the streets for their country.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help

in times of trouble. Ps 46:1

I have been praying that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (the most used title of God in the Old Testament) would fight for the Christians and Jews in Ukraine. I envisioned angels swatting invading planes out of the sky and tanks off the road. Is it possible that the Commander in Chief of the Kingdom of God, "Lord of Angel Armies,” is fighting for believers in Ukraine? I believe because Ukraine has about the fourth largest population of Jews in the world. God WILL protect His people - Jew and Christian.

All of these things — the Ukrainian war, inflation, rising gas prices, mandates, and the total failure of our government—have caused many people to feel nervous and stressed about the future. As followers of Jesus, we want to think and behave like Him, so how do we respond or overcome the situations we are in?

Here are some answers from God’s Word.

Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isa 26:3. The promise is God will keep you in perfect shalom when your mind leans or rests on God. This is all possible when we put our confidence and reliance on the Lord.

Receive the gift of peace Jesus has given you. Take it and open it up. "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Here are more words from God that will help you.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7 NLT

God encourages us. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isa 41:10

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9

The Bible says God is close to you. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Ps 46:1 BSB He is close by and ready to help you.

The greek word for the Holy Spirit is "Paraclete." It means advocate or helper. The Holy Spirit comes alongside and walks with us. Let these scriptures put courage inside you to face what is ahead. Your courage comes from both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God will keep you, direct you, and help you no matter the circumstance. Be strong and of great courage the Lord of Heaven’s armies is with you.