Delighting In Safe Pasture With Linda: The Father And The Ukraine

Title: The Father And The Ukraine
Date: March 1, 2022

As we watch the tragic images of what men, women and children are enduring on the other side of the world, our hearts hurt for the innocent Ukrainian people. As we pray for the safety, peace and comfort they so desperately need, stories are slowly surfacing of Jesus shining through the darkness. One story of courage and bravery in particular I will share with you because it moved me and reminded me that our God is so faithful to His children!

Though we may not be the country under attack today, it is obvious there is uneasiness throughout the entire world. The entire earth is unsettled. It is groaning for a better future. For those of you who study and understand prophetic scripture this sounds all too familiar and fitting. This is lining up just how God’s word has told us it would. And in that fact alone, we are called not to fear. As my pastor says, “The world is not falling apart, it is falling into place!” I find extreme comfort in those words!

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are given promises that are eternal and can rise above the chaos. We are given promises that are sealed in heaven. We have a force to hang onto that nothing can remove or take from us. The world may be at a tipping point but the children of God will never perish. If our loved ones know His truth they too will never perish. Till we reach our eternal glory the Lord will ALWAYS provide a way for us!

John 10:27-30
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

As I was listening to a pastor in the Ukraine being interviewed, I was deeply moved by his story. His church was supplying food, money and gas for those who were fearfully traveling through his town trying to get their families out of the country to safety. However, what really wasn’t even meant to be the highlight of this pastor’s interview, something he briefly touched upon affected me and strengthened my trust in God’s provision.

This soft-spoken pastor had such a calm and temperate voice, even with being center stage in the turmoil. He continued to share his church’s experiences this past week. He explained their church building had been purchased many years prior and he described it as a very old and ornate building. And you’ll never believe what this building included….A bomb shelter underneath it! The pastor chuckled a bit when he explained the irony of it. Now this church converted their bomb shelter into a safe place for at least 200 people who were left without a place to lay their heads. The church was in the process of filling it with beds, sleeping bags, food and ample supplies.

Isn’t this just like our heavenly Father? When we are traveling through the darkness, lost in bewilderment and fear…. Up ahead is a safe place to lay our heads! Although this interview mainly addressed the current situation and prayer needs of the Ukrainian people, I was really taken by the faithfulness of Jesus to this pastor and to all those who would benefit from this church, both physically and spiritually. What a captivating testimony of God’s goodness! Our Father never fails us! Whether we are here on earth, or finally in His presence, we can never be separated from His sweet love and care. In other words, we can always expect our very own “bomb shelter” in any given situation!

Did you know that in centuries past the right hand was a symbol of power, authority, justice and truth? As in the verses referenced below, did you realize the right hand is mentioned over 60 times in scripture? Though we may not physically see God’s hands, His hand is associated with mighty power and undeniable authority. I believe those despondent people fearfully running for their lives experienced that power…The mighty right hand of God coming to their aid when all seemed hopeless!

When the Lord brought that pastor to that particular property, He already knew what the future held. In His perfect foreknowledge He knew exactly who would be traveling past that church and when. He kindly provided….and with that very same love and care, He kindly provides for us as well. Do we trust Him at His word? Do we have faith only in good times, or do we have unshakable faith that is assured that even in the darkest nights He will carefully place us in His right hand? Out of nowhere and in some miraculous way, He will guide us to secure provision. Our God….Our always and forever shelter and safe haven!

Jesus, we pray, continue to be with the Ukrainian people. May your light rise up and shine through this grievous situation. Amen!

Exodus 15:6-7a
Your right hand, oh Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, oh Lord, shattered the enemy. In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you.

Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 139:10
Even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.

Lining up with Bible prophecy, the stage is being set. Heaven is preparing the return of Christ when He comes back in all His glory and with the heavenly host of angels at His side. There have never been times such as we are experiencing. We as believers are to share the truth in love to those who are perishing!

Pastor David Jeremiah says, “We are not only to be waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel, we are to be that light in the tunnel!” I really love that reminder! Sometimes we should not make sharing God’s love for mankind so difficult! It may require just sharing a story, much like this Ukrainian pastor’s experience or striking up conversations about our sweet Father’s care!

The world is desperately needing a Savior. Let’s be a part of that recruitment! Who knows…one day in eternity we may meet those individuals again, and we may finally realize it only took a friendly conversation, and yet they entered into eternal glory and will be forever safe in the palms of their Savior Jesus’ mighty hands! What a glorious time that will be….Forever praising His holy name with friends we helped get to heaven!

Delighting in safe pasture,
Linda