Ukraine: A Nation of Prophetic Destiny

by Nathan Shaw

In the midst of the present war between Russia and Ukraine we need to ask two important questions: What is Ukraine’s prophetic destiny, and how can we pray for her? Christianity came to Kievan Rus'—a loose federation of peoples in eastern and northern Europe—in 988 when Vladimir the Great was baptized. Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine all claim Kievan Rus' as their cultural ancestors. In 2020 God revealed to me His intention to bring down the dividing wall between Russia and the West. This dividing wall goes all the way back to 1054 when a major division took place between Eastern and Western Christianity.

Caught Between Ruling Principalities

In Daniel chapter 11 Daniel was given much revelation about the then future battles between the kings of the South and the kings of the North. This was significant to Daniel because Israel lay directly in-between these opposing forces. As a consequence Israel was dominated at times by one or the other. Many times Israel’s destiny as a nation hung in the balance. Daniel prophesied that during this period many Israelites would show great courage: “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits (Daniel 11:32). It is important to realize that this wasn’t just a battle of earthly kings, it was also a battle of demonic principalities.

In the same way that Israel was caught in the middle of a battle between the ruling principalities of the South and the North, modern day Ukraine sits in the middle of a battle between the ruling principalities of the East and the West. The dividing wall between the East and the West was greatly weakened after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Presently, ruling principalities are stirring up contention to reassert this dividing wall. However, many geopolitical fault lines are shifting. A time will come when contention will no longer divide Russia and the West.

How does Israel’s history speak to the present situation? Ancient Israel and modern Ukraine are unique and different nations but they have these things in common:

1. Israel sat between two ruling principalities (South and North). Ukraine sits between two ruling principalities (East and West).
2. Many Israelites displayed great faith and courage (Daniel 11:32). Many Ukrainians are displaying great faith and courage.
3. Israel had something significant to release to the nations (most obviously the Messiah). Ukraine has something significant to release to the nations.

False Claims Affecting Nations

While I was praying for Ukraine God highlighted to me the relationship between Jacob and his uncle, Laban. When Jacob fled for his life he went and stayed with Laban. Jacob remained with Laban for twenty years. During this time Jacob acquired his wives, children and livestock. Laban recognized the blessing of God on Jacob. At every turn Laban attempted to control Jacob. He wanted to harness the blessing for his own selfish purposes. Although Jacob and Laban were related, Jacob had his own unique destiny to fulfill. Jacob didn’t belong to Laban, he belonged to God.

Regardless of God’s plan for Jacob, Laban continued to exert a false claim on him. The power of the false claim was so strong it caused Laban to pursue Jacob even when Jacob fled back to Canaan. In a dream God warned Laban, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad” (Genesis 31:24). When Laban caught up with Jacob the power of the false claim was finally broken. Ukraine and Russia have strong ancestral ties, however, they both have unique and distinct prophetic destinies. Pray that the false claim Russia has exerted toward Ukraine will be broken and that both nations will live in their unique prophetic destinies.

Deliverers and Prayer Warriors Arise

For much of Israel’s history she was oppressed and alone. During those times God raised up deliverers from within her midst and from other nations. Although Ukraine has the support of many nations she also stands very much alone in this present battle. Pray that deliverers will arise from unexpected sources. This a battle for the freedom of both Ukraine and Russia. The cries of Christians from both nations are being heard before the throne of God. I invite you to join with me, and with them, in making the following declarations:

• We declare that Ukraine and Russia will walk in their prophetic destinies and that no weapon formed against these destinies will prosper.
• We declare that deliverers are being raised up from unexpected sources.
• We declare that angelic hosts are being released over Ukraine right now—in streets, in buildings, in cities, in homes, in strategic council rooms, in the midst of civilians and soldiers.
• We declare that false claims exerted over Ukraine are being broken.
• We declare that Ukraine and Russia belong to the Lord.

© 2022 Nathan Shaw.

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