From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 1261)
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Psalm 61:2-3
War brings up many superstitions. Soldiers and volunteers who regularly go to the frontlines have their safety rituals — words to avoid, things to leave behind or definitely bring along, “lucky charms,” etc. All of these are desperate attempts to feel in control of one’s destiny.
Unfortunately, Christians are not immune to this magical thinking. When guided by fear, we wish to come up with a formula, a simple universal solution that would protect us from harm. But we know that faith is “the conviction of things not seen,” but only “the assurance of things hoped for.” How do we get over it then? How do we relearn to have unrestrained dreams? How do we convince ourselves to make plans even though they may be altered? Where do we get the courage to hope for something good despite the circumstances?
To me, every future plan (even if it is just a couple of days in advance) is an act of faith in Ukraine. We take steps, big and small, led by the conviction that God was faithful in the past and will not forsake us in the future. The infamous ““If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” from James 4:15 is not just an instruction, it is the reality we are fully aware of.
That’s what I tell myself when I convince myself to make student workbooks for the whole school year (in faith that we will see the end of May). That’s what I remind myself when I consider doing some home improvement (believing it won’t be in vain and our house will remain standing). That’s what I hold on to when I dare to dream.
During this war, in addition to justice and lasting peace for Ukraine, I pray for faith that would help me hold on to the rock of my salvation, my refuge and strong tower, the One through whom we have hope for tomorrow.
Voice of Ukraine 