“These are the times that try men souls.” Written in 1776 by Thomas Paine as the American Revolution drew to a close. Paine wrote to encourage and incite the soldiers to continue in the fight, looking for the patriotic pride and peace they would receive as victors.

The world has not changed very much when it comes to the struggle and fight that we face against good and evil. Jesus concluded the sermon on the mount with these words of comfort “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

We face numerous circumstances that may leave some wondering what is next, how do we endure and fight the good fight. We must remember that the battle of this spiritual warfare that we are in has already been won by the captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord. On the cross, in John 18:30, He stated, “it is finished.”  He paid the price to redeem us back to God and give us eternal life. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

We have all heard it said what is this world coming to – as though nothing could be worst! But if by chance we think that we, have it far worse than the saints of old; the bible tells us that they were afflicted, sawn asunder, tormented, destitute, and forced as outcast to live in caves among other things; but the greatest example of all is Jesus; our focus must be on Him “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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.

James 4:12-13 reminds us “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

My friends, must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No! there’s a cross for everyone and there’s a cross for me.

Pandemics, earthquakes, starvation, illness, death, and all other ill wills are products of this fallen and sinful world; and if we truly love the Lord and stand on His Word, watch out…because the enemy of our souls will oppose and fight us on every hand.“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8.

So, regardless to what may come our way today, let us rest on the promises of God; nothing and no one can ever separate us from His love “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord..” Romans 8:37-39.

God blessings of strength, peace and love be with us all.