Praying for Ukraine: Trusting that my Lord is stronger, wiser, and more loving than any leader

Perhaps, like me, you have been watching with sad hearts as Russia invades Ukraine, destroying buildings and killing people. I hear Americans react in shock. Because of modern technology, we are watching horrible violence and injustice. Actually, we should not be shocked. History shows many tyrants who take what they want because they consider themselves stronger. In fact, the people of God have often been the recipients of injustice. Just consider the example of Israel during their Babylonian captivity, and Roman occupation. Or, think of the persecution of God’s people throughout history.

Many today want to do something to help the Ukrainians. So some give funds to care for the people of the Ukraine. I have noticed toy drives to help Ukrainian children. I have also heard many politicians give their opinions about what to do, as if their opinion is the only reasonable option. Only, there are so many opinions.

World politics are always complicated. On the one hand, the histories I have read concerning Russia include the city of Kiev, now in Ukraine. On the other hand, Christians in America believe that God has created us all, and that, because God created us, we have worth and dignity. Therefore, we believe in individual freedom, which we have chosen to express in democracy. That is why, when we see a tyrant steal the freedoms of another, we are appalled and want to help the oppressed.

What can we do? First, rather than trusting any human politician, I trust my heavenly Father and King. In Psalm 20 David wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) We are uncertain as to how the sovereign Lord will act. But, I still trust him more than any earthly politician I now see. I trust that in this world, or in the next, God will deliver justice.

Secondly, and I believe this to be most important, I pray. Our Lord inspired St. Paul to write about the big picture of this world, “1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) God’s primary concern is the salvation of all people, from death and judgement to life and salvation, through faith in Jesus. However, God does care about the world in which His people live. That is why we are called to pray for all in authority so that God’s people “may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” In other words, God calls us to pray for peace and for order in our world. That is why, in my daily prayers, I always mention the name of our president and our governor, no matter their political party. Right now I daily pray for President Joe Biden, and for Governor Mike Dunlevy. My prayer is that God would give them wisdom, and that they would act to bring justice and righteousness according to our Lord’s definition of those virtues. All leaders need help in this area, no matter their country or political party.

However, and I’m told that it is what comes after the “but” or after the “however” which is really important. However, I also pray that God would hinder, that He would frustrate, and that our Lord would defeat any leader who works against His justice and against His righteousness. It seems obvious to me that President Vladimir Putin is acting contrary to the justice and righteousness of God. So, I am praying he gains godly wisdom and repents of his evil. But, I am also praying strongly against Putin and against his current policies and actions which are taking lives and destroying a country. Remember what Jesus teaches about prayer. “7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. . . 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7, 11)

Finally, I don’t just pray, I also try to act, while knowing my own lack of wisdom in these areas. I usually try to act through someone on the ground where the problem is occurring. I try to bring God’s good through someone who shares my Christian values. Sometimes I have volunteered. Often I give a donation. But, I try to act in a way that follows my Christian beliefs and values.

The world is a mess, because it is full of sinful people. We see that sin on display regularly and we, therefore, know how important it is that we have and that we believe in God’s promised Savior from sin, Jesus. But, because God loves us, He cares about our daily lives as well as our eternal welfare. Currently I am praying that God protects the Ukrainians, and that He frustrates and defeat’s President Putin.