“People don’t say, ‘Army, help us,’ they say ‘God help us.’” 

Last week, Isaac Willour wrote about the believers in Ukraine’s humanitarian resistance. He tells the story of Maria Taranova, 24, and Julia Vostriakova, 18, two university students who work with international workers from Romania and Germany, as well as aid organizations like the Ukraine Freedom Project (UFP), to bring food and medical supplies to Ukrainians in need. What believers like Maria and Julia provide for their fellow countrymen is not just physical relief. The young women also lead worship songs outside ruined buildings and actively spread the gospel.

The horrors of war have exposed a great spiritual need. It struck me as I read the article that Maria, Julia, and their coworkers’ response embodies Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” They’re leading Ukrainian Christians to put their full faith in God, not guns and tanks, nor even in international aid. Confidence that he’s active and working even amid tragedy empowers them to persevere in their care for one another. What a beautiful model for us! 

In the West, we may be sheltered from the dangers of rockets and rubble. But our spiritual need is no less. I’m thankful for stories like this one from Ukraine, which helps me see my need to turn away from fleshly effort and human strength to the person and power of the Holy Spirit. May God open our eyes to see his work around us. May he empower us to persevere in love for one another.  

Pleading God’s help in the fight of faith,