A Right Response To Sudden Terror
Photo by Mikhail Volkov, a Ukrainian photographer
As I watch the news headlines scroll across my television screen, I’m left in a state of helplessness and heartbreak over the lost lives and utter destruction taking place in Ukraine and across the globe. In the last few weeks of praying for the Ukraine/Russian war, the Lord continually reminded me that He is in control and has a purpose and a plan through even this sudden terror.
When God looks out on a war zone like the one in Ukraine, He despises the violence, and He treasures the lives of the innocent, especially those who cry out to Him in faith. Their blood is precious to the infinitely valuable One. When we see lives taken, we are rightfully heartbroken and enraged, but so is the Creator of all—His heart is all the more broken and hurt by violence and terror.
Trust His Sovereignty.
Being image-bearers of God, we long for moral justice to prevail on earth and we’re outraged and brokenhearted when we see injustice happening around us. Like King David who was outraged when the lamb was taken away by the rich man (2 Samuel 12:1-14), we acknowledge the righteousness of God by seeing the destructiveness of sin. Scripture promises us that the justice of God will be poured out in all its glory and His righteous justice will finally be on full display (Revelation 11:16-18, 19:1-4). His delay in judgment and wrath is to allow more time for His people to repent and turn to Him in faith and surrender (2 Peter 3:13).
God has compassion for the vulnerable and afflicted, and he violently opposes evil. When terror strikes, we are not helpless. Our God is not caught off guard, and He is never late. He is not responsible for evil (James 1:13), but He will sovereignly see first that it is repaid, and that all its worst horror is forced to serve those that love Him. The violent always receive the worst of their violence.
God has seen and heard and felt Putin’s terror, and it will not go unpunished. “The Lord hates the wicked and the one who loves violence” (Psalms 11:5). When confronted with violent terror like this, we respond in faith, not hate, because God himself will have his vengeance (Romans 12:19). He is just and righteous and sovereign.
Hold on to Hope.
An acronym for hope that has always stuck with me: Hold On. Pain Ends. When a crisis hits, the first thing usually to go is our hope. Our hope that anything will change. Our hope that we will make it through. Our hope that anything good could possibly come out of this. Hope is not a feeling as much as it is a person. Jesus is truly our hope. His life, His death, and His resurrection provide the means by which we can daily face each situation with hope! Not all is lost. We will make it.
Scripture commands us over and over again to not be afraid, but instead trust in Him. When our eyes are on the circumstances of this painful, lost world, we lose sight of Christ. Instead, communicate your fears, worries, and anxieties to God. Paul invites us in Philippians 4 to experience calm in chaos; that we communicate our fears to God, we ask God for help, we let God know the things we want, and then we meditate on who our God is. When you do, in the midst of chaos you will experience calm that will mark your life, guard your heart, guard your mind, and step you in the direction of peace. He is our sure and steadfast anchor we can put our trust and hope in.
Preach the Gospel
We need to pray for willing workers who will go out and work the harvest (Luke 10:2; Matthew 9:35-38) preaching the good Word at college campuses, corporations, political gatherings, or to the ends of the earth. Terrorism and tragedies like we’re witnessing in Ukraine, though a painful reminder that we live in a lost world, is also our call from Christ to awake and share Jesus’ redeeming and beautiful love and grace. The gospel is still good news. The gospel still saves lives. The gospel still needs to be told.
The cause of Christ is timeless. The cause is Christ! That has not changed. This will not change. There are still people, loved ones, that still desperately need to hear the gospel, need to hear the truth of repentance, and need to know the purpose and passion of Jesus Christ.
Pray for Revival.
Especially in these last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5), we are desperate for spiritual revival. Difficult times bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. I urge you, with the love and power of the Holy Spirit, that these events bring out the best in you. I encourage you to join me in praying for our world, by praying for Ukraine, praying for Russia, and praying for our nation and cities. Be bold and courageous for we serve a mighty God.
Terror had its time these past several months, and it will strike again — but one day never again. But rest assured, wars will not always happen. Those who assault the innocent and remain unrepentant will spend eternity wishing their hell lasted a few minutes. And those who run to Christ will soon enough forget how to fear.
However much Ukraine has become an international symbol for iniquity, and however much hell invaded their country for these last several weeks, God through the prayers of his people may yet flood the evil with heaven in the coming weeks and months and years ahead — through the hope and love his people show one another and those in need. He loves to reveal His stunning mercy in the wake of sudden tragedy. May the lasting legacy of this tragedy be mercy, and not evil.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? …. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. “ - Psalm 27
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hannah is a twenty-something Tucson native saved by the overwhelming grace of Christ and a disciple of His Word. Hannah loves country music, camping and hiking, binge watching Gilmore Girls and traveling on spontaneous road trips. Her favorite days consist of a great cup of coffee, a good book, and enjoying monsoon thunderstorms. She longs to see young women thrive in their relationship with Jesus, knowing He always has immeasurably more in store for us.