“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:17-23)

As we strive to maintain our relationship with our Father, the ruler of Heaven and Earth, we may notice that those around us are beginning to feel the pressure to sell out in order to save themselves from what they feel is the inevitable. Some are devaluing others on their jobs in order to insure their security, while others are chasing the “pie in the sky” ideology being sold by the world during a time of economic frustration and fear. Yes, fear. For those who are not aware of God’s promises have a tendency to panic and will attempt to have others around them do the same when challenged. Yet for those of us who are the righteous, we live by faith, faith in a God who is alive and well and is willing to enhance our quality of life in the midst of economic frustration. He promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This requires that when the storm winds blow, those who are striving to live and walk under the wings of his love, must stand firm. It also requires that we do not sell out. As easy as it may be to surrender our souls in order to obtain the comforts of this world, you could awaken to find yourselves drunk on the wine of this world and cast into outer darkness. Working for peace in a time of war and panic can become a place of isolation or solitude. Working toward forming loving relationships in a time when others would have you breed hatred and disillusionment can make you appear weak and vulnerable. Our God has not surrendered in this battle between good and evil. He has not forsaken those who cling to His WORD and who “fight the good fight." He has not forsaken those who will not be swayed by the illusions cast upon them in the midst of this Spiritual battle. Yes, my friends, we have not seen the end of the economic downfall, nor have we seen the last of the illusions and disillusions cast by the enemy. Cling to what you know is true and do not look at the faces of those whose teeth have been set on edge because their hearts are hardened to the goodness of God through Christ Jesus. Let them send the slings and arrows, but remember God has given us armor that is impenetrable, and in the end, if we fight the good fight, we will have everlasting life. After all, this world is not, and never was, our home. This is the training ground and the reward is salvation.

God Bless you all, and continue to “fight the good fight.” Know that there are others who pray for and seek to support and uplift you in this battle that has not yet seen the full fury of the enemy. God says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” He didn’t say they would not form.

“You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you." (2 Chronicles 17)