When War Strikes… Where is God And The Great Commission
Jesus gave his followers an assignment, one that would require commitment affecting all areas of their life and strength.
Believers in the early church had no choice but to be “all in”. Spectator Christianity wasn’t an option.
The Ukraine War
Jesus said power for the ‘Commission’ would come not of them- selves. To wait for it. It would be given from above! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the impossible would become possible.
A few days later, his followers could see and experience what Jesus had meant. They were equipped to take on the impossible by the power of God.
The Gospel in the trenches
Our God-given assignments are God’s dreams, made possible only by His influence and power.
We quickly realize our lack of strength, resources and abilities to complete the work He has given us. We may even want to avoid or just forget about an assignment altogether.
Every assignment comes with obstacles and problems which cannot be overcome without God. We can’t measure our own strength against a God-given task.
"Where is God"
We may succumb to the “I can’t” or “God won’t” mentality, or that miracles don’t belong in this age. In the Bible, we read of men and women who didn’t believe God’s miracles belonged in their time either.
Gideon is a good example. He lived through the darkest time in Israel’s history, afraid of the enemy and doubting God’s sovereignty.
Gideon declared, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about?” Gideon had to choose if he was going to stay back or accept the commission God had set before him.
Gideon set out to carry out God’s mandate.
In Hebrews 11:6 it says, “for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Men and women of faith did not hold back. Instead, responded to the challenge leaving behind their accustomed comfort and safety.
The power of faith
“Through the power of faith, they defeated kingdoms, held up for righteousness and were able to experience the promises of God. They blocked the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of fire, escaped swordsmen, gained strength in their weakness and were mighty in battle driving back enemy troops.”
They exemplified courage, knowing the prize would be great!
This remains true today. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
This has not changed.
Our Father
You ask, how does this work in practice?
Jesus said: “I am the true vine... he who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing.”
When the spirit of God flows through us, we are branches connected to the Vine with God’s Word. We can see and experience God’s glory and miracles of old in our lives.
Navalny Speaks Of His Faith
Alexey Navalny. A Russian opposition leader, a known anti-corruption figure and father of two chil- dren. According to Wikipedia, Navalny's videos had reached 1.1 billion views on YouTube in 2021.
Alexey Navalny became renowned in the west for his anti-corruption campaign exposing Kremlin abuses.
Formerly an atheist, Alexey came to faith.
Navalny said he came to faith when he returned to Moscow in January 2021, following treatment in Germany after being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok.
Alexey was charged with over 20 offenses.
The Power Of The Word
Navalny’s speech at his trial has been widely reported. His defense at his last court appearance was a sermon.
Prior to his trial he had drawn strength from an excerpt in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are those who hun- ger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.”
Righteousness is translated ‘truth’ in the Russian Bible.
His quote of scripture was remarkable.
Only a former atheist and lawyer could speak as Navalny had, reflecting the convictions of a man of faith.
“In the eyes of the world, it is insane to fervently thirst for the truth, to become nourished,” reasoned Alexey Navalny.
GCMM Launching 300,000 Evangelism Books For Ukrainian Refugees
Recently, Laura and I were in Warsaw. GCMM is launching the printing of 300,000 evangelism books for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, mostly from Mariupol and other cities in East Ukraine. The books are specifically designed for a nation ravaged by war. The book speaks to ‘loss’, deep wounds inflicted on the soul. It portrays a message of hope and survival amidst tribulation and the horrors of war. The books will be distributed to refugees in Moldova, Hungary and Romania as well. In addition, 20,000 books are being printed in Finland and Sweden for refugees arriving from Ukraine traumatized by the war.
On February 24th a full-scale war broke out with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. GCMM’s media campaign changed overnight. The highly visible media ministry switched to ministry in bomb shelters. Additional financial support is needed for the 300,000 books mentioned above. One book will cost two dollars. Thank you for considering how you might help in bringing hope and salvation to thousands of shattered lives.
Partner with us in reaching Ukraine with the Gospel. To donate now, call our office: 1-877-674-5630 or click the DONATE NOW button to give through our secure online donation page.
God bless you!
Hannu and Laura Haukka
And all our mission team at
Great Commission Media Ministries
