I Know, I Know

Update from Buddy, missionary

It is enough for me to say to you today that the war in Ukraine continues and we continue, with all our means and strength, to do what we can to help those who are suffering in this part of His Kingdom. However, I also know the news has shifted to a town in south Texas that no one ever heard of before this week. So, I want to just send a note to try to do what I can from His Word to help us all and to give that needed few minutes in which to take a deep breath before we go on again. Then, a note and a photo or two that will remind us of goodness, life, and clean freshness as God intended for this world and which will be some day a reality for us.

When we were younger and went through times of pain, fear, and uncertainty, or when our hearts were broken, it was always comforting (for me anyway) when someone would come along side and simply say something like, "I know, I know...". They didn't necessarily have any answers, they were simply saying "I'm with you and we'll get through this together". Do you know what I mean? I think you do.

That's what I want to do today. It seems that there are all kinds of bombs falling in different shapes and forms all over the world and the shrapnel is hitting all of us. If you haven't felt the pain, fear, uncertainty and heartbreak of the last three or four years, then you've just arrived from a distant planet. When we walk around in Ukraine there is always a sense of uncertainty because you are never certain when Putin might decide or where he might decide to lob another missile. That's how it has been in the world lately, with racial tensions, pandemics, this war in Ukraine, and now the utter senseless killing of children. We have become increasingly uneasy as we make our journey through this world. "I know, I know..."

It is one thing for me to say that to you, but please take a moment a read it as the sovereign God of this universe lovingly say this to you:

ISAIAH 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

PSALM 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

PSALM 91:2

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

NAHUM 1:7

The Lord is good, a refugee in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

JOHN 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

NEHEMIAH 8:10B

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

PSALM 32:7-8

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of delivery. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

JOSHUA 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

2 THESSALONIANS 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

And then, Peter says in his first letter that we should not think it strange when troubling things happen, but rejoice, because it helps us to enter into partnership with Him and His suffering. Please remember that as we see the "day" approaching, we will have days like this. Years like this. However, we have not been left without a Comforter. May we find what comfort and strength we need from Him and trust His wisdom and sovereignty as we, not just maintain, but keep building His Kingdom until He comes again. Everything's gonna be ok. Let's keep moving ahead. He knows.

And this reminder:

Remember Eliana? I wrote to you about her back in April. This photo was on her birthday:

In the early days of the war, she was expected, but long overdue. Her dad was somewhere near the fight and her mom, Jana, was alone and uncertain as to what would be. But then, she arrived and there was new life, clean, fresh, and as close to innosense...and to God... as there is in this world. Her name means "God has answered". He did, and He always will. Here she is 8 weeks later. She's doing fine...as we will be too, as we trust in His sovereignty. Be encouraged.