The war in Ukraine continues to dominate much of my prayer time. A very dear friend has been sending updates from his son, Joe, who lives in Ukraine and is married to a Ukrainian woman named Dasha.
The latest update told about Dasha’s parents, who live in another town far from Dasha. Her parents have stayed there despite the bombings because they are caring for a group of elderly widows in the city, several of whom are bedridden. Speaking of her parents, Dasha said, “You always want someone to be a hero; you just don’t want it to be someone you love.”
Her statement brought tears to my eyes. Because not only have Dasha’s parents stayed in a dangerous place to help others, so have Dasha and Joe. As Christ-followers, they believe God has placed them there for this time. Yet the brutal reality of seeing your family in danger is painful.
I still remember when my daughter told me she was going to a Muslim country in Central Asia to work after her graduation. In my mind (and plans), she’d travel to Moscow and minister with a local team. It seemed a perfect fit; she grew up in Russia knew the language and culture. But my heart froze, then rapidly hammered in my chest as she explained the change in plans. She said that God told her going to Russia would be like returning home, and He wanted to stretch her faith by moving to a new place.
Well, this missionary Mom practically became unglued. All those thoughts about serving God, following His call, promptly flew out the window. What was she thinking? Going deep into the mountains of a Central Asian country as a single female!
Suddenly, my mind reeled as I realized that my parents felt these same feelings when we told them our plan to take their grandchildren and move to Russia. For the first time, I understood the deep-seated panic our parents must have experienced during some of our Russian adventures.
After some tearful prayers, God calmed my fears. How could I so quickly forget how God had provided and walked beside us throughout our journey? Could I not trust Him to do the same for our beloved daughter? What about all the lessons I’d tried to teach my kids about following God? Thank goodness, it appears they’d listened and absorbed those words better than I had!
As a mother, my heart always longs for my children to be safe and happy. But through my years of following God, I’ve learned that being in God’s will was the most important priority. When my children ask my opinion about a decision, one of my first questions remains, “Do you feel this is God’s will?” Because being in God’s will is the only way you will experience true joy. Sometimes happiness is fleeting, and things are tough, but there is always a deep well of joy to draw upon through the good and bad. Why? Because God is with you each step of the way.
Yes, it’s hard to watch those we love step forward to be “heroes.” To send them to the hard places. But when they follow God’s call, that is the best place to be. So let’s be sure to both model and teach the next generation how to walk with God. To truly count the cost. To discover the abiding joy found when walking in obedience to God’s will.
Please remember to pray for Joe and Dasha. Dasha’s parents are now considering evacuating but will not leave these widows behind. Pray for God to open a way for the evacuation of Dasha’s parents and the women they have faithfully cared for in their city. Remember Joe and Dasha as they minister and provide care for those who needing shelter and food in another part of the country.
Pray for the many unsung heroes who are stepping forward to serve and minister during this crisis.
Pray for peace.
