Let Peace Reign

by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

I was watching the news one morning when my 6-year-old daughter, Callie asked me, “Mom, why is Russia invading Ukraine?” I didn’t realize she was there as I was updating myself of the current events happening around the world.

I couldn’t find the words to tell my daughter. How can I answer her when I myself was trying to understand the situation? All I knew was I felt anxious and heartbroken when I saw the news.

I was overwhelmed with sadness. We are still dealing with a pandemic and then this? There were a lot of questions running in my head.

Could this be the start of a world war? How will this conflict affect my family and my children? What will happen to the civilians in Ukraine? What future awaits us?To be able to find the answers to my unending questions, I spent the following days understanding the conflict between the two nations. I watched different documentaries and news reports to keep myself updated of the events happening in Europe.

I have a big heart for Europe. It was the first continent that welcomed me. And I see myself going back there in the near future. I couldn’t help but be affected by what is happening there. And I should be. Whatever is happening there surely affects everyone in the world, in one way or another.

As I watched videos of bombs falling all over Ukraine, of families getting displaced, of people trying to flee, of dads leaving their children to fight and protect their nation, tears rolled down my eyes.

I haven’t experienced being in a war. I’ve read stories of wars from the Bible, history books, movies and the news but I haven’t been caught in one. And I can only imagine the terror it brings, the fear it creates, the pain it inflicts, and the casualty it causes.

At night, as I lay my young children to sleep, I couldn’t help but remember the Ukrainian children who couldn’t sleep well as they hear the deafening sound of missiles as they lie down on cold subway floors to take cover.

Thoughts of moms and dads protecting their children, uncertain of what the future holds haunt me. Images of families fleeing, looking for places of refuge fill my mind.

My heart goes out to them. My prayers are with them at this difficult time. I urge you to do the same.

Let us stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their nation. Let us pray for a peaceful resolution. Let us intercede for all the world leaders that they will respond in wisdom. Let us believe for safety and protection for the civilians and innocent people caught in the conflict.

Ultimately, let us declare God’s divine intervention. May He bring forth healing, comfort and peace upon the people of Ukraine. May light pierce through darkness and love conquer hate. “Mom, why is Russia invading Ukraine?” asked my daughter. It is a very difficult question to answer.

As a response, I retold the story of David and Goliath. A giant taunting and threatening a young boy. It’s a very simplistic reply to a very complicated dispute.

I don’t know if Ukraine will be able to fight Russia the way David fought Goliath, but I pray for the schemes of the enemy to be thwarted and for peace to reign between the two nations – neighbors that share borders, language and culture and a long history together. Let us pray for unity to prevail among the nations of the European region and the whole world.

Ukraine is just one of several countries that face constant threats of war. More powerful countries seem to bully smaller ones. We live in a world where greed for power exists.

We live in a world where self seems to be more important than the life of another. We live in a world where love and unity are to be fought for.

But there is hope. Hope can be found in the One who fights our daily battles for us. He still reigns over all.

“He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.’” (Psalm 46:9–10 NLT)