My heart is deeply grieved for the people of Ukraine and I am sure yours is too. Many prayers from around the world have gone up to Heaven for God’s mercy and intervention. Thousands have fled from their country but many are trapped in the middle and are experiencing immense suffering. As a Singaporean, I cannot begin to understand what the Ukrainians are going through. I live in peaceful Singapore, have a roof over my head, clean water to drink, warm food on the table every day and a nice bed to lie down every night. Many of the people in Ukraine are hiding in bomb shelters, sleeping on the hard floors, food and water running out, and the fear that today may be their last!
How does one pray amidst this pain and suffering? It is no coincidence that this is also the period of Lent, a time where Christians all over the world are reflecting on the Christ of the cross and his great love for mankind. Isaac Watts wrote this hymn hundreds of years ago when he wrote this song:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Charles Wesley wrote a similar reflective song a hundred years later:
And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in my Savior’s blood?
Died he for me who caused his pain?
For me, who him, to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
In the midst of this ongoing warfare between Russia and Ukraine, we see Jesus the Son of God who chose to become man and go to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world in order to reconcile mankind to God. This God loved us so much that he gave his only Son to take our sins and punishment and free us from the consequences of sin and death. This is amazing grace! This is love supreme!?Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God shouldst die for me!
How can I respond to the crisis in Ukraine and also to my Saviour for His amazing love, grace and mercy?
I will pray the Aaronic blessing upon this suffering world, especially upon Ukraine:
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.?(Numbers 6:24-26)
I pray in gratitude to God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit:
To God be the glory for the things he has done…
With his blood he has saved me,
With his power he has raised me,
To God be the glory for the things he has done!?(Andre’ Crouch)
I also claim Psalm 46 for Ukraine and for all of us:
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble….
Therefore we will not fear
Though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved
Into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling….
God is in the midst of her;
She shall not be moved;
God will help her?when morning dawns….
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.?(verses 1-3 & 5-7)
God will be exalted among the nations?(verse 10)! Hallelujah! Amen!
