From: Maia Mikhaluk (617th day): It’s Nov 2nd, and some years, we already have snow on the ground at this time, but miraculously, the weather is still holding a September-like feel. Everything is still soaked in gentle sunlight. The yellow leaves are still on the trees and glowing. Being in the park on a day like this could feel peaceful, but after 616 days, we kind of forgot that feeling.
The news lately has been discouraging. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Zaluzhny, gave an interview to The Economist explaining the challenges of the current stage of war that becomes positional (World War I style) and the need for aviation, advanced means of radio-electronic warfare, expanded capabilities for counter-battery warfare, modern technologies for demining – that would allow to get out of the trap of positional war and return to maneuvering warfare.
Of course, Ukraine is relying on promised help from Western partners, but the help is wavering as the world gets tired of how long the war lasts (imagine how tired Ukrainians are, especially the ones in the trenches!) Unfortunately, this war is not like a mini-series on TV when viewers get rewarded with a happy end in just a few days of watching. Even TV series these days are getting shorter. Remember those days of TV series 24 with Jack Bower – there were 24 episodes in every season? The contemporary TV offers 6-8 episodes. Ruzzo-Ukrainian war now has 617 episodes (if not to count the 8 years of war in the east that started in 2014) – and the “viewers” are tired.
I could go on about discouragement, but I was reminded of Psalm 62, that was a focus of Nick’s sermon this past Sunday. Only in God can we find rest and salvation. Reading news will always be upsetting and discouraging, even when the war is over – we live in a corrupted world. People in any country in the world complain about corrupt politicians who are in power, and at the same time, they are pulling for/voting for other, even more corrupt politicians to come to power. And it’s not just politicians. Every one of us, when choosing wrong over right daily, is contributing to the corruption of this world.
Just like on the first day of ruzzian invasion I need to keep reminding myself we have nowhere to run except to God in prayer.
Ps. 62:6-9
6 My soul, be at rest in God alone,
from whom comes my hope.
7 God alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not fall.
8 My deliverance and honor are with God,
my strong rock;
my refuge is with God.
9 Trust God at all times, my people!
Pour out your hearts to God our refuge
Voice of Ukraine 