*Below is a short writing on this topic from Ed McDowell, who is one of our current guest pastors.
"In his kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." - 1 Peter 5:10 NLT (
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.10.NLT)
I was awake off and on through the night, praying for people following Jesus in Ukraine.
War is awful. Power unchecked is lethal to so many. A Christian Camping leader in Ukraine shared with a Christian Camping leader in the USA that explosions were going on around them, but for the time being, they were safe. The line between safety and suffering is very thin and could change in a second. Their lives are in danger. In this danger, they are following Jesus.
While powerful leaders with authority and resources initiate and respond to the brutality of war, the raw expansion of territory and control, and the willingness to kill whoever gets in the way, the body of Christ will stand and endure. The Bible is one big example of God demonstrating that His called people will go through suffering and be placed on a firm foundation – a place from which to share the power and love of God with the world.
God is greater than this horrific war. He is present and near to His children who are caught in the middle of it right now. The Holy Spirit is raising up spiritual warfare through the intercession of the followers of Jesus worldwide to help uphold the people of Ukraine. This intercession is a spiritual counterattack for which there is no defense.
The intercession of God’s people will help the followers of Jesus in Ukraine to find ways to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in the middle of war while their very lives are on the line. The power and presence of God will provide strength and courage to endure the vicious assault and attack that is underway.
The body of Christ will find ways to risk, encourage, and help the people around them as the fear and terror of war are unleashed. The shattering of a way of life by the raw power of humanity will not endure or outlast the Body of Christ.
Refection
The Holy Spirit is raising up intercession in the body of Christ for the people of Ukraine right now. He is waking people up 24/7 for a massive response of spiritual warfare through prayer. Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are taking the brunt of this assault. They are in harm’s way right now. They need us. They need strength and courage that comes from God.
Our faith tells us that God is greater than this awful conquest underway. God is near to His people. We are being asked to focus our efforts on intercession as a bigger battle is going on.
Encouragement
Let’s be the body of Christ in a time of war. God has called us. Respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings to pray for God’s children in Ukraine. Give up sleep, encourage others to join you, pray, fast, and let’s be part of a spiritual counterattack of intercession. God is greater than this war. His Kingdom will continue to be established in Ukraine through the courageous obedience of His children, who are in a time of great peril and danger.
Prayer
Father God,
Right now, may our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in the path of war know that You are with them. You have called them to a life with You forever. May they have the courage to live in Your presence and bring hope to others right now. Holy Spirit, may the body of Christ worldwide rise up in intercession with a massive spiritual counterattack. May this intercession fill your people with unusual hope, peace, and courage. Please help us be the body of Christ in a time of war.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Ed McDowell, CE0, Warm Beach Camp Ministries
