While watching coverage of the war in Ukraine, I have to keep reminding myself that God is a God of the underdogs. He’s also a God of miracles, and Ukraine needs one badly. The startling fact that they have withstood the Russians this long is a miracle unto itself. It’s the story of David and Goliath, but it’s going to take more than a stone to down this giant. Even so, President Zelensky boldly asserts, “We are not afraid of tanks and machine guns. When the main thing is on our side, truth.” His courage, like David’s, is admirable.
I’m sure Ukraine has God on their side because God abhors evil and loves justice. Zelensky’s message to Putin says it all, “No bunker can shelter you from God's response.” The following quote from Proverbs 6 bears an uncanny resemblance to the Russian leader, don’t you think?
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Despite being written in 2017, Debbie Wilson’s article, Ten Bible Verses about Protection from Evil and Harm, is timeless as she highlights scripture to remember when you are besieged by enemies or life itself. They are reminders of God’s sovereignty and protection. Wilson quotes 2 Timothy 4:18 to affirm the fact that the Lord saves us from evil attacks. How timely that my Bible study group is doing 2 Timothy at the moment.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
She then goes on to say, “Jesus never leaves us to battle alone. He is our hiding place and protection. He will strengthen us to endure our battles and to come through them with victory. Jesus has already won the battle over death and we can turn to him for protection from evil in our everyday lives.”
David isn’t the only historical figure to face a giant. The Bible is full of underdogs whose obedience to God was their victory strategy: Moses, Gideon, Joseph, Daniel. The most obvious, of course, is Jesus. Often, the optics were dismal with no path to victory in sight. Their triumphs weren’t swift or easy. Yet, they persevered against all odds. Christ’s death on the cross appeared to be the ultimate defeat but it led to a victory like no other.
We’ve all had Goliath moments when facing seemingly impossible circumstances. I’ve never had to confront anything as formidable as Putin, but it felt like it at times. Regardless of what or who your Goliath is, when you choose to submit yourself to God’s will, your humility and God’s power enables even the meekest to do heroic things…and for many here and in Ukraine, that heroic thing will be trusting and praising God in the midst of unimaginable suffering.
*https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/10-bible-verses-about-evil-to-protect-you-from-harm.html