Certainty in the midst of an uncertain time

Tuesday night (from internet)

just a few weeks ago

2 days ago (photo from internet)

Really at a loss of words on this whole situation in Kiev.  To think I was down on freedom square just a week or so ago taking pictures in what was then a peaceful protest.

Tuesday everything changed.  With a sudden out-break of violence and over 20 deaths on Tuesday alone it was clear that we were facing conflict at a new level.  I remained in disbelief--it felt surreal. I had really thought the worst of it was over in January.

On Tuesday public transportation (namely the subway) was shut down completely and today we've entered into day 3 of what feels like a city shut-down, as this city fully depends on underground transit to get to and from work.

Today began the panic of the possibility of the government instituting a state of emergency-- which would mean a full shut down of cell phones, internet, city life, etc.  There was a run on grocery stores and gas stations today that I witnessed as well. Everyone wanting to make sure they have a week's supply of food.

Most news sources are pegging this as an east/west conflict or saying that this is a civil war.  In reality this is about the Ukrainian people reacting to their corrupt government and demanding for a change and to be heard.  In my opinion this is not a civil war.  This is the government killing it's own citizens who were peacefully protesting. It's not the common people vs. the common people-- that would be a civil war. 

I've been spending way too much time online and watching the TV news reports.  I am overwhelmed by the numbers I'm seeing and reading...one site saying that perhaps 100 people were killed today alone.  I can't wrap my mind around that.  100 lives. 100 people that belong to someone. Literally only 2 miles from where I am now.  It is surreal to wrap my mind around.

I admit I've been spending more time reading fear inducing articles then on my knees praying-- as I keep asking others to do.  I think I just feel helpless...and so I just sit stuck in front of my computer screen.  The situation also causes you to feel like you are trapped in limbo.  There are so many plans that have been put on hold, so many uncertainties for what will happen next.  Do we keep planning and working as normal? Do events planned for next week take place? Do I go forward with travel plans? What about next month? Do we pause and wait?  It is a very challenging place to be in.

If anything this crisis reminds me that we need to hold ALL our plans loosely.

Most of our lives (especially in the western world) we live as if tomorrow is a guarantee and we make plans as such, probably because we've lived lives that for the most part have proved certain.  Yet now more then ever I am reminded of the scripture in James 4 that says "You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.""

Only one thing remains certain today. Jesus is Lord and He alone remains our hope in the midst of the panic and confusion that the world is screaming over the airwaves.  I have to keep reminding myself of that.  My plans are not certain.  The future of this nation is not certain. Nothing really is. But Jesus is certain. He remains Lord and in that alone I can find my peace.


Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)

Time to turn the computer off, and be on my knees for this nation, trusting in a God who alone can bring resolution where people have failed....