The Fog of Faith

As a 30-year civil servant in the U.S. Department of Defense there were many discussions when the expression “the fog of war” was used to characterize the environment of a tactical experience. The expression was an attempt to describe the confusion and chaos of such an event that is rapidly changing literally minute to minute. Often it would take days or weeks to sort out the specific details of such an event because of the number of players, the various locations, and the different types of activities that are all occurring simultaneously and the ability to record or track these events is limited due to the fact that pausing to do so may put one’s life at risk. The map above represents such an event that occurred recently with Russia’s aggression towards the independent country of Ukraine. Similarly, during such a time as this I believe a “fog of faith” occurs as well. That is many prayers, actions and intents are based on the faith of the many participants that may or may not be in conflict with each other, depending on the perspective of the individual. For example, I heard the previous Ukraine president state that Putin will be cast in “hell” because of his responsibility for these events; this is one position of faith. I would guess Mr. Putin doesn’t believe he is deserving of such a fate and would guess he doesn’t believe in the same “hell” if any. This is another statement of faith, even if it is a faith in no god at all. Each of the players, quite firm in their faith, act in faith accordingly.

The above CNN picture was taken in Kharkiv, a city in Ukraine not far from the Russian border. This picture captures several individuals humbling themselves to the God of their understanding and to each other by kneeling in prayer hours before the Russian incursion began….an ultimate act of faith. There is no greater demonstration of faith than to openly admit God’s sovereignty over our circumstances. It is a silent statement of faith that repudiates the claims of the Russian Prime Minister that he is in control. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities (rulers) or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16) It is in these moments when man’s aggression against his fellow man is darkest, that is when faith burns bright. Such evidence has been seen as nation after nation has aligned itself with the Ukranian people in spirit, in truth and in coming to rescue with the materials that are required for a nation to survive this onslaught. Untold prayers have been lifted in faith for these people. Prayers in different languages, in different forms of faith and religion but all in common purpose. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1,2) This “cloud of witnesses” is what I call the “Fog of Faith”. What seems to be a desperate and uncontrollable circumstance is surrounded by a cloud of faith that covers all involved in an environment of faith. This fog is the prayers of the witnesses of this event all over the world who turn to prayer in faith. The result is that the people of Ukraine are enveloped in an atmosphere of faith to endure and be empowered to run the race set before them. A faith that looks to the “author and finisher” of our faith and guides them to their place of glory in faith in Christ. As we reflect on these words let each of us join that cloud of witnesses and pray in faith for the people of the Ukraine at this moment. Let us pray for their safety, their peace of heart and mind, and that their faith endures. Amen and Amen.