Stand Firm

Millions, if not billions, of peace-loving people—including many Russians—around the globe watched in horror as Russian tanks rolled over Ukraine’s borders. Vladimir Putin shattered seventy years of peace in Europe (the longest period in recorded history). “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).

 This question posed by King David three thousand years ago still troubles us in times like this. On the first day of this war, I wasted too much energy with silly daydreams of just retribution against the present dictator of Russia. What I should have been doing (and am doing now) is standing firm in the armor of God.

My husband spent two weeks preaching through Ephesians 6:10-20. His message series in Ephesians ended four days before the war began. It took me two more days to realize how foolishly I was using my time to fight an unseen enemy. Putin is a puppet. Satan dances in the blood of innocent Ukrainians, and we, the Church, God’s holy army, are called to fight.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

In our strength, resistance is vain. To stand firm, we must bow low. Prayer launches our attack. The Word of truth is our sword, our offensive weapon. Sister Warriors, let’s wield it well on our knees.

Here are specific verses we can pray.

1. For ourselves, “ that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,”  Ephesians 6:19. The power of the Gospel of peace changes hearts. It can even change Putin!
2. For bad Vlad (if he refuses to repent), “He (God) repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face.” Deuteronomy 7:10. Vladimir will come to Jesus one way or another.
3. For courageous Russians speaking out against this war, and all our family in Christ in Ukraine and Russia, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.” Psalm 57:1. May God protect them when no one else can.

Take heart, dear ones; this war is a mere skirmish in an eternal battle already won!