Today I spent the afternoon with Nydia. With a few others, we enjoyed lunch and some social time in her home. We spoke of many things: current ideas, future hopes, and memories from the past.
Before Ukraine declared its independence in 1991, Nydia remembers living under Russian occupation. As a little girl she stood in food lines with her mother to get bread and milk. Each household received the same “salary” because the government monitored all finances. Nydia recalls the lack of resources, stifled freedom of ideas, and even limited control of herbs, flowers, and plants. She remembers her loving parents raising her, and her nine siblings, in the way of the Lord, in spite of the cultural and governmental pressures.
What was your life like before 1991? How old were you? Consider the freedoms you enjoyed. (If you weren’t born yet, ask someone who lived before this time 😊).
For me, I grew up in California where I enjoyed the freedom of choice as I cleaned houses for income, ate a variety of foods with friends and family, attended university, and travelled freely to visit interesting places within the US and world. I lived with the privilege of worshiping Jesus at the church of my choice and functioned without constraint for being a Christian.
We are nearly the same age. Life was different for Nydia. With a gentle smile, Nydia called me “crazy” for coming to Ukraine during wartime.
Crazy – foolish, senseless, or strange.
Although I don’t feel crazy, I understand the ways my choices might appear as strange and foolish to others. Nevertheless, I experience great peace in this place with God. I believe that I am precisely in the place God desires for me today. I trust that God has made my steps firm (Psalm 37:23).
In what ways might Jesus invite you to live in a way that seems foolish or senseless to others? To what “crazy” way is God beckoning you?
As she dropped me off at the hotel, Nydia looked me in the eyes and held my gaze. Time stood still for a moment. She said, “Dyakuyu” (D-ya-ku-you) – “Thank you.” In this tender moment of silence and connection, she thanked me and and all those who are praying and supporting Ukraine. Her gratitude felt palpable in the cool air of the car. She remembers life under Russian oppression and abhors its return.
Please join me in praying for and supporting Ukraine.
Although we live in uncertain times, we must believe God’s Word which declares that the heart of the king is in His hand (Proverbs 21:1). It seems a bit crazy to believe this reality about God, yet we must hold on to the Truth. The trustworthy nature of God remains in tact even in war (Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 33:4, etc.).
The apostle Peter reminds followers of Christ to live differently, reflecting Jesus even in our interactions with those in authority (1 Peter 2:11-17). Ultimately, Peter implores servants of God to “Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (vs. 17). We must trust God and rest in His ways, while also actively living out our call as His disciples.
May our love for God direct us into strange and senseless ways of living in this world. Be “crazy” with me. If you need inspiration, just consider many from the Bible who acted in crazy and foolish ways: Abraham, Jehoshaphat, Ezekiel, Esther, Ruth, Daniel, Mary, the disciples, Lydia, James, and so many others.
Together, for the Lord’s sake, let us follow Peter’s summons to honor and respect all people (even when we disagree.) Love the family of God, both near and far (in word and action). Live in awe of God (revering God Almighty, releasing ourselves and others to Him, and resting in His care). Show honor to those in governmental authority (again, honor does not mean agreement, but valuing their position of responsibility). Prayer on their behalf may be the most honoring act in which we engage.
Echoing the words of the apostle Paul, receive Nydia’s heartfelt, “Dyakuyu” – Thank you!
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:3-11
This week – – –
Reflect. Rest in Psalm 37:23-24 – “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” In what ways do you delight in the Lord? Imagine God making your steps firm. How does it feel for God to uphold you with His hand? Thank Him.
Request. Thank God for His presence with you. What crazy step is God asking of you? Wonder with God…Delight in Him. Ask God for courage to step out with Him. Let God hold you close. Trust in the trustworthy character of God (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Receive. Linger in Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Will you trust God even with the strange, silly, or senseless path before you? Talk with the Lord about what feels challenging. Release your concerns to His care. Receive His tender, attentive, and loving presence.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 33:4-5 – For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalm 25:4-5 – Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Henri Nouwen. Following Jesus: Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety. London, England. 2024.
John Eldridge. Experience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God. Colorado Springs, CO. 2025.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Phil Wickham. The Jesus Way. Click here to watch and listen.
Maverick City. Crazy Love. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
April 22-May 5 – Poland and Ukraine (Teaching intensive course, “The Care of Souls,” at UBTS)
May 9 – Breathe Retreat, Littleton, CO
May 19-23 – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort. Littleton, CO