It was 1940. I was just a six-year-old boy. I heard my parents, relatives, and friends talking about the possibilities of war in the place where we lived. I did not understand what that meant, and they explained to me that soldiers from another country would come to us, take over our country, and be in control.

There had been negotiations, and it was thought that there would be "peace in our time". But it was all to no avail, and on May 10, 1940, the German army came into our country. The Dutch army put up some resistance, but they were greatly outnumbered. We lived close to the airport, and there were German planes coming over to drop bombs. Innocent people were killed, properties were destroyed, dikes were damaged, and land was flooded.

On May 14, 1940, German airplanes dropped a great number of bombs on Rotterdam, causing widespread property damage, a complete shutdown of that busy port city, and the death of over 900 people. On that very day, the Dutch army capitulated. The strength of the enemy was too great, there were too many, and they were too well organized.

In February this year, we in North America were made aware of the real possibility that Russia would invade the nation of Ukraine. In a feeble effort to avoid this, there were negotiations by a great number of foreign diplomats. But it was all to no avail, and on February 24th, the Russian army started its invasion of that country. During the past week, we have seen pictures of the devastation and misery, as well as resistance by the local army and civilians. In an effort to discourage other nations from taking part, there have even been cloaked threats of nuclear warfare. Hundreds of thousands of people have left the country to nearby safe places. Many others have sought safety underground in subway stations, air-raid shelters, and basements.

In one of the video clips of the war in the Ukraine, I saw a young couple being married by a priest, with Christian pictures and symbols in the background. They were obviously Christian people in a church — brothers and sisters in Christ. Right after they were married, he went off to fight the enemy.

As I have watched all of this with sadness in my heart and prayers in my mind and mouth, memories have come flooding back to me. I find it so difficult to see God's hand in the events that we are witnessing at the present time. We may wonder why this is happening, and we may even wonder why God allows it to happen. But one thing that we do know for sure:

Isaiah 40:31 – Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

May the people of Ukraine indeed receive strength from the Lord to cope with this terrible situation that has been so suddenly thrown upon them. Please pray — and continue to pray — with me:

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, as we are witnessing the death of adults and children, the destruction of property, and the plight of refugees, we earnestly pray that You will speak to the hearts of those who have the ability to stop this insanity and to return to peace. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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