Pray for Ukraine

Introduction

Over the last few days there have been a number of moving parts in our world and one of those parts has included the people of Ukraine losing some of their homeland to the Russians. A number of people on social media and even in churches today have politicized this issue and shared their personal thoughts about what has happened. The Bible does talk about politics, contrary to what some might argue, and there are times where we must address situations that violate God’s Word. Tonight we aren’t getting political, not because God’s Word doesn’t say anything about war and protecting those who are in need, but because there’s a far more powerful weapon at our disposal this evening than having a political pep rally - and for what it’s worth, as long the Lord keeps the Hayworth’s at FBC Salem, that will never happen here.

What can we do whenever tragedy strikes? We can respond in a variety of ways but the most helpful thing that we can do as Christians is to pray for those being effected. As Christians, though, we don’t just pray for the victims, we also pray for the oppressors. Jesus tells us to pray for those who persecute us - so what should we pray when disaster shows up? We thank God for His faithfulness - we pray that God’s will would be done - we pray that suffering would cease - we pray that the lost might become found - we pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ would remain faithful witnesses under fire - we pray for boldness - we pray for strength - we pray for leaders to have wisdom - we pray for the oppressed to experience relief and deliverance.

Several people have questioned the importance of prayer in such a time as this… Can prayer *actually* work or do something? In the grand scheme of a war involving missiles, tanks, and millions of dollars prayer might not seem like much. May we not be like this. Friend, remember the power of prayer and the power of our God! Let’s be reminded of the power of prayer in Scripture in 1 John as we find this

1 John 5:14–15 CSB

14 This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.

What does this tell us? If we ask anything according to His will not only does He hear us but He will give it to us because it is His will! So what must our posture be in prayer? It cannot be declaring things - it must be one of humility as we genuinely seek the Lord’s will and we make our requests known to Him. As we do this, we know that He will answer our request and He will either change the situation or He will change our heart. Either way, He will answer!

As we pray, Jesus promises to give His people rest. Rest in the book of Hebrews is not talking about a good night’s sleep or a nice cat nap in the middle of the day… Rather, it’s talking about salvation and entering God’s eternal kingdom. The preacher of Hebrews tells us this:

Hebrews 4:14–16 CSB

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

We have a high priest - His name is Jesus - and He knows what we’re going through. He has been tempted just as we are, yet He never sinned. He allows us to come before the throne room with boldness so that we can receive God’s grace and mercy exactly when we need it.

Therefore, what is the most powerful thing that you and I can do today? Fall on our knees and enter the throne room and lift our requests before our Father!

Truths about prayer:

God listens when His people pray

God answers when His people pray

God doesn’t always answer how we’d like

God’s answer is perfect

God expects us to pray

Prayer is powerful - not because of us, but because of Who we pray to!

Hebrews 7:25 CSB

25 Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.

James 1:27 CSB

27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

We pray to the One Sovereign - he is not a president, dictator, or puppet. We pray to the King who has all authority. We pray to the One who reigns and is in control today.

Facts about church in Ukraine:

Of the 43 millions people, nearly 34 million (73%) claim to be Christian

Ukraine was called the Bible belt of the old Soviet Union and has a strong protestant presence

Many Christians in Ukraine are Orthodox but some are Baptist

There are 3 Baptist Seminaries in Ukraine - and they have partnerships with Southern Baptist churches/seminaries

One pastor shared that his church, outside of Kiev, has opened their doors to train people how to perform first aid, distribute food, and serve their community as a warming station

“While the church might not fight like the nation, we still believe we have a role to play in this struggle.”

“If the church is not relevant at a time of crisis, then it is not relevant in a time of peace.”

Prayer items for us:

Strength and wisdom for Ukrainians who are in harms way

Wisdom and guidance for leaders in Ukraine, Russia, and other countries involved

The estimated 5+ million people who have been displaced from their homes

Soldiers to remain safe

Local churches as they care for various needs in their community

Ukrainian Christians to be salt and light like never before

Those who have never heard of Jesus to come to know Christ as Lord and experience the hope of life with Jesus

The Gospel to shine and break down barriers

Pastors to speak with boldness and sensitivity to their congregations

Habakkuk 3:17–19 CSB

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, 18 yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! 19 The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! For the choir director: on stringed instruments.

Our God rules and is on His throne today. This doesn’t mean that things will always be easy - but it does remind us that we are called to rejoice and give Him thanks. There is work for us to do and there are lost people out there who need to hear the Gospel! Pray for God to use you in the days to come as you seek to glorify Him, proclaim the Gospel, and make disciples of all nations. Don’t be surprised, though, when this prayer gets you out of your comfort zone and to the front lines of the spiritual battle waging on all around us.