FIND THE FACE 

By Tessa Harvey

    A Ukrainian pastor knelt before his narrow bed and prayed, interceding for his country. He was old and in pain, but he knew how big God was, how mighty, how often small, weak people had come before massive opponents and won. Gideon, King David.... The elder also praised - for all battles need faith to be won.

    He had heard how missiles from Russia had disappeared incredibly in mid-air, how Russian tanks had run out of fuel, soldiers lost and hungry and demoralised. But the battle was not yet won. So the old man sought the face of God and prayed before tumbling into bed and seeking peaceful sleep. And others, too, rose up all over the world in prayer, knowing that light invariably shines in darkness, that Jesus is Lord. For the Cross has the final word.

    Later that same night the Glory of God filled that small room of the faithful pastor servant as the Lord Jesus took him home to heaven - this beloved pastor.

    Later still, bombs crushed his house and those of many other civilians. Schools were also hit and destroyed, ordered by a man with no conscience.

    Seated at a very long table metres away from his tired, cowed generals, this leader chastised the West for their pitiful sanctions against his country.

    This man would know neither real peace nor joy. He had freely chosen hell.