For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6

Where is God Amidst the Ukraine/Russia War?

The war of aggression from Russian leaders toward the people of Ukraine has lasted now almost an entire month. As the war drags on, we can find ourselves asking a lot of questions: how long will this last?  What are the generational consequences of such a conflict? Are we in the midst of WWIII and we don’t know it yet?
 
One question that might be on your mind as a believer is Where is God in all of this? In Isaiah 9:6 (above) we hear the call from the prophet Isaiah that the savior and messiah is going to be the prince of peace. In the Gospel of John, Jesus encourages his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled, because he leaves them in peace. 
 
In the midst of hard times, it can be a struggle to see God at work. I remember hearing someone once describe to me that if you’re looking for where God is in the midst of disaster, look for the good people. If you pay attention, in most times of hardship you will see people rushing in, going the extra mile to help out, or taking time to be with someone in their pain.
 
As I have watched this war unfold, I have caught some glimpses of God at work. If you have any, please share them back with me.

• Seeing a Ukrainian woman take time to feed Russian troops and let them contact their parents in Russia to say they are ok.
• Watching people band together from inside and outside Ukraine to care for the most vulnerable in society.
• Witnessing some of the women from our weekly Bible study forming a prayer vigil to pray for peace and safety in the region.

 
Every Tuesday we gather for Morning Prayer in the sanctuary at 9:30 am. I invite you to join us, especially if you have never come before. During the brief service, we lift up prayers. One I wanted to leave you with is on page 304 of the ELW:
 
Merciful God of might, renew this weary world, heal the hurts of all your children, and bring about your peace for all in Christ Jesus, the living Lord.

Especially we pray
            For those who govern nations of the world
            For the people in countries ravaged by strife and warfare
            For all who work for peace and international harmony
            For all who strive to save the earth from carelessness and destruction
            For the church of Jesus Christ in every land.

Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
 
God’s Peace,
 
Pastor Tim