From: Ira Kapitonova (Days 783):
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:18-19
I saw an opinion today that Ukraine would have more support from the world if we broadcasted and “sold” or “fed the public” the suffering of our people. They suggested we fill our social media and international communications with images of lost limbs, mutilated children, and weeping widows. They claim that only the picture dramatically different from ordinary life can awaken the sympathy of those apathetic to Ukraine.
I was thinking about these words. I know I share horrible images of the war in Ukraine, but I feel how my whole innermost being resists turning Ukraine into a place of suffering. Perhaps our resilience is a bit exaggerated at times, but to me, speaking about Ukraine’s resilience is also about destroying the plans of the enemy. They want us to feel hopeless and doomed to destruction. However, we can fix our eyes on the Lord and focus on finding glimpses of His steadfast love amidst our suffering. It may go against this world’s understanding of what’s beneficial for Ukraine, but I would rather trust in God’s goodness and mercy.
Yana Stepanenko, a 12-year-old girl who lost both her legs as a result of a Russian missile attack on the train station in Kramatorsk in 2022, is an example of resilience that overcomes suffering. This year, she ran a 5 km course of the Boston Marathon on prosthetics to fundraise for Oleksandr Ryasnyi, a severely injured Ukrainian defender, who is also in need of prosthetics. Yana’s willpower to overcome her struggles and her compassion for others are more powerful than any missile. May we see the eternal fruit of such efforts in our lifetime.
Voice of Ukraine 