Ukraine is on the hearts and minds of the whole world right now. Unthinkable acts of war have been committed by Russian military forces on innocent Ukrainian civilians.
My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine.
They are not just in a war for their country and their lives — but in a war against evil itself.
And the response of the Ukrainian people has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Hundreds of thousands of the elderly, women, and children have already fled the country, running for their lives.
Millions within the border are hiding in subways and basements, seeking shelter from crossfire and bombs.
And many more brave civilians, including President Zelenskyy himself, are actively arming themselves and fighting back in defense against these unsolicited attacks.
RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.
These three simple words are our first line of defense in any attack — and they’ve been in my head all week as the world watches the violence in Ukraine unfold.
Jesus tells us, “…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
This verse provides a comforting perspective to Christians when our physical lives are in jeopardy. But it also points to the fact that there’s a bigger battle going on here than what meets the eye.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12
Like Putin — the devil doesn’t fight fair. He ambushes us, especially when our defenses are down. He sees us not as soldiers, but as prey. We don’t have to go looking for a fight…he is hunting us like a lion every day. (I Peter 5:8)
So, as soldiers of Christ, what can we do when the devil attacks?
1. RUN
Flee from sin (I Corinthians 6:18). Don’t let the devil fool you — when he gathers troops at your border, know that his intentions are never good. Run away from sin and don’t look back. Run to spiritual safety if you possibly can.
2. HIDE
If you can’t run…then hide. Hide the Word of God in your heart. (Psalm 119:11) We are told “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) It will be like a refuge for your soul when you are under spiritual attack. (Psalm 46:1)
3. FIGHT
If you can’t run or hide, just like those brave citizens of Ukraine, you have no other choice but to fight for your spiritual life.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18
They say the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Evil isn’t only fought on the battlefield with tanks and ammunition…it’s a daily battle that starts in our hearts, in our homes, and in our communities.
So do something — if you know what’s right, do it!
Don’t sit idly by while the spiritual Putins of the world push their evil agenda. Don’t be overtaken. Take a stand. Fight back against evil. Do the right thing.
RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.
And until next time…keep praying for Ukraine. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” -Psalm 46:1
-PWAP
