When the news broke last week that Putin had, indeed, launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I had déjà vu—reminded me of 9/11 and that pit-of-the-stomach feeling. Something ominous had taken place. What will happen now, where will it all lead?
These are reasonable questions; one is justified in wondering what may come of it all. But the big question for us, as followers of Jesus, is whether our wondering will morph into chronic fear and anxiety that dominates our view of the future?
Yes, Jesus teaches us to be realistic: In this world we face tribulation (John 16:33). There will be wars (Matthew 24:6). Christian living involves cross-bearing (Luke 9:23). So, not only is warfare common in human history, but trials resulting from our devotion to Jesus are to be expected (1 Peter 4:12).
All of which leads me to issue a challenge to myself and any other believers listening in: Do you look out over the global landscape and shudder? Does fear dominate your view of the future? If so, receive Jesus’ loving rebuke: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). We were not made to bear the weight of tomorrow’s trials today; our spiritual shoulders are not broad enough. Only God can carry such weight. Our calling, by contrast, is to trust our good Father to care for us day by day.
Let me clarify: I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned or take action in response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression. How could we not be disturbed by this violence? We definitely should pray, and God may also lead us to take other steps, such as supporting relief efforts for the million-plus Ukrainians fleeing their country.
But don’t wait for this world to become utopia before you’ll trust God with the unknown, and before you’ll embrace his peace-giving word, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
