Daily, I feel like I am watching a slow-motion rape of an independent nation by another —  even as news reports the fierce Ukrainian  resistance  and all nations in the world save four condemned the brutal assault.  

For all the Bible I say I know,  why do I keep thinking these events Ukraine  are not supposed to be happening? Especially after living through the last two years when trouble was a byword!

A Couple of Reasons

First, I am still a child of  the Boomer generation who thinks humans are always  on an upward trajectory to better times.

Second, what I know of the world is . . .  shallow.

These past two years of upheaval have shown me how little I really do know of history and human nature. * 

Or bullies. (On the Enduring Power of the Malevolent)

Third, Russia hasn’t done to me and mine what they have to other Ukrainians, yet. 

But remember Syria? (Seeing Myself in Another’s Suffering) 

 This Time is it a Wake-UP?

When COVID started, I heard Dr. Tony Evans describe the crisis as God putting the church in time out — to think about spiritual realities. (Calm and Crazy) 

He said, 

Worry is when the situation is controlling me, dictating my well-being.
Don’t permit legitimate concern to become illegitimate worry.
Look for spiritual truth in the midst trials: physical, and medical.
Crises can create caring!  

Yes, but . . . 

As the world turns — this miraculous blue marble on which we live is a wobbly, scary place!  (Putin, The West and The Myth of Progress) 

Face it, I had more options for my safety with COVID than I do with what is unfolding everyday in Ukraine!  

So, I went back to  the book Habakkuk; it so worth reading, and  the prophet takes me back to Dr. Evans’ final point:

Crises can create caring.

Right NOW — 

What can I do — give — give up — so others can help? How much?  How am I praying? 

Reading this Psalm Aloud Helps

Lent is a good season to consider what I will take on, and as well as let go. How grateful I am for  the goads Lenten devotionals are. Like this one: 

Let the shadow of the cross be [my]teacher. (Journey to the Cross, Paul David Tripp, page 20)      

That shadow sheds a whole lot of light  — on  dark places and times I thought could never come again, in Ukraine of Europe or here. (John 16:33)

You might like:
*Garening and Reading

**My Martha Mode Needs a Mary Adjustment