March 4, 2022In this space last week, I wrote about the parents of Eva (pseudonym), who were on their way home after a visit in France, where friends of mine, who sent this prayer request, served the Lord for many years. The following update came on Monday:
“Eva is from a Russian-speaking Ukrainian family in the Crimea. She moved to Grenoble to study, and trusted in Christ there. She met a German research physicist in Grenoble who speaks Russian, because his family lived in Russian/Soviet Union for generations, before returning to Germany after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They married and have three children. They are ‘pillars’ in our French church in Eybens/Grenoble.
Eva’s parents were visiting in France, and flew back to Kyiv [Kiev], landing there on the day the invasion began. They wanted to take a plane or a train to their home in the Crimea, 500 miles away. But the airport was captured (and re-taken by Ukrainian forces), and I think the trains were not running. Thank you for praying! Here is an update:
‘I was able to speak this morning with my mother and found her a little unsettled/upset. She wanted me to know that she is feeling pressure in her family from both sides: on one hand, from me and my sister … and on the other hand, from my aunt in St. Petersburg, who is completely taken in by all the propaganda against Ukraine. My mother can’t figure it out all alone; she feels lost … My thought is that we must pray for both my parents, for their conversion … and please keep praying for their safety. From our end, I am trying to find a solution, by enquiring of our acquaintances in Kyiv, and also their acquaintances. However, a lot of people who can move around (not the elderly) have already left the city or have evacuated their family members. So that’s our news. Thank you so much for your support.’”
It is hard to imagine what Eva’s parents and others in Eastern Europe are experiencing. What we know for sure is that God is calling people everywhere to repent of their sins and to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
In our men’s Bible study group on Zoom, we have been studying the Book of Acts, where we see how the early church experienced many challenges. In the February 2022 edition of “Turning Points” magazine, the following is found:
“Charles Spurgeon is remembered as one of history’s greatest preachers but is less well-known for his bouts of depression and self-doubt. His anxiety reached a peak when several people were killed and many more were injured when a false warning of ‘Fire!’ caused an audience of thousands to stampede. Many in the press blamed Spurgeon. He wept for days after the tragedy.
The Bible passage that comforted Spurgeon most during his bouts of despair was Philippians 2:8-10 – Paul’s teaching that Jesus humbled Himself to die on the cross but was then exalted by God. Spurgeon kept reminding himself that, no matter what troubles or humiliation find us in this life, Christians are part of a story of victory. Spurgeon is also remembered for his empathy and compassion toward others who suffered emotional distress. He taught that there is no shame in trials; there is victory in the One who overcame trials of His own and promises us the same.
Take comfort today that Jesus was humbled but was then exalted. And all who follow Him will likewise be loved and cared for now and eternally.”
Whatever you are facing today, don’t try to do so alone. Turn to the Lord who loves you with an everlasting love and trust Him to guide you as you put your confidence in Him.
Scripture for the weekend: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” – Adoniram Judson