A Russian Drone Killed a 14-Year-Old in Ukraine. How Long, O Lord?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

We do not know how long. The Bible never gives us a date for the end of suffering. It gives us something better: a God who hears our cry, who weeps with us, and who promises a day when death itself is gone. Until that day, we grieve honestly, we trust Him deeply, and we keep praying.

What happened

Ukrainian officials report that overnight on November 3 to 4, a Russian drone hit a private house in Khotiv, near Kyiv. A 14-year-old child was killed. Russian strikes also damaged energy sites in parts of Ukraine as winter comes, which means many families face the cold months ahead with damaged power and heat. News reports say peace talks involving the United States are planned for November 10 to 11 in Abu Dhabi. A family is grieving tonight, and a nation is tired. We hold them in our hearts and in our prayers.

What does the Bible say?

King David knew this kind of sorrow. In Psalm 13:1-2, he cries out, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?" He asks how long sorrow must fill his heart day after day. God did not scold David for asking. He let the prayer stand in His own book, so that people like us would know we can bring Him our hardest questions.

Then David's prayer turns. In Psalm 13:5 he says, in plain words, I trust in Your unfailing love, and my heart rejoices because You save me. David did not get all his answers first. He chose to trust in the middle of the pain, and so can we.

Romans 12:15 tells us to weep with those who weep. That is not a suggestion for people far away. It is a command for the family of God everywhere. When a mother in Ukraine weeps, we weep with her, and we carry her before the Lord.

And Revelation 21:4 gives us the end of the story. God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, no more mourning, no more crying, and no more pain. That day is coming. It is as sure as the One who promised it.

How does a Christian go about this?

We cannot stop a war from our living rooms. But we are not helpless, and we are not called to look away. Here is how we answer grief like this as followers of Jesus.

Put it into practice

• Stop and pray for the family of this child by heart, even though you do not know their names. God knows them.

• Pray for peace talks to bear real fruit, and for leaders to choose life.

• Let yourself grieve. Tears are not weak faith. Jesus wept too.

• Give to trusted relief work that feeds and warms families in Ukraine, if you are able.

• Turn off the endless news replay. Pray more than you scroll.

• Hold your own children and grandchildren close, and tell them what is still true: God is near.

Carry this with you

Friend, if your heart aches over this news, that ache is holy. It means your heart beats a little like God's heart, who never shrugs at the death of a child. Bring Him your "how long." He can carry it. He heard David, He hears the families of Khotiv and Kyiv, and He hears you. The night is long, but it is not forever. Morning is promised, and the One who promised it has never once lied.

Questions people ask

Is it okay to ask God "how long"? Yes. David asked it in prayer, and God kept his prayer in the Bible for us. Honest questions brought to God are not a lack of faith. They are faith talking to the only One who can answer.

What can I really do about a war so far away? You can pray, and prayer is not a small thing. You can grieve with those who grieve, give to real relief work, and refuse to let your heart grow cold. God sees every act of love, near or far.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.