When we watch the news are we numb to the seemingly ever increasing amounts of suffering taking place in the world. As a missionary in Kiev, Ukraine when we have visitors we enjoy showing them the historical sites of this city dating back to 482AD. We currently have a guest who is a retired US Air Force physician, served on the mission board of the Evangelical Free Church and now travels extensively assisting the Christian Medical Dental Association ministry for International Medical Education.
Over the past several days in between appointments we visited the Golden Gate of Kyiv where many died when the Mongols attacked and captured Kyiv in 1240 AD. Then we went to the World War II museum where we reviewed the history of Nazi Germany’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent explusion. The concentration camps, the weapons, the instruments of torture as well as the personal letters of some of the heroes who fought in these battles. Then the hall of remembrance at the top of the base of the Motherland Statue, where all the names of officers who died are written on the walls.
Perhaps the most sobering of all was the visit to Babi Yar. Three days after the capture of Kyiv in WW II, Jews were told to report to this location which is a ravine and simply shot for no other reason than their Jewish heritage. Walking on this ground, knowing the remains of over 33,000 who were murdered in just three days are intered, is quite an emotional experience.
Now for the past two weeks we have witnessed the rumbling of tanks, armored troop carriers and missles down our street. They are not preparing for war, we pray, but practicing for the parade to take place on August 24th to celebrate the 17th anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union.
What is so striking in all of this is the seemingly unending number of ways man has learned to kill his fellow man over the years and in increasingly greater numbers. More people have died in battles during the past 100 years than the rest of human history combined. Why we ask? The answer lies in our own hearts. James 4:2 states, “You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.”
But for those who believe in Christ, we have hope. He died so that we may live. His death was not in vain. It was a purposeful act required by a Holy God that we may be reconciled to Him. Therefore, in this you may greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1Peter 1:6,7).
Will I be able to withstand the test of suffering? Will may faith remain strong? I am thankful God who enabled me to believe will also enable me hold up under such circumstances. So do not be surprised by suffering, but be filled with the inexpressible and glorious joy for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your soul (1 Peter 1:8,9).
