If you have ever read these blogs you know that I believe we are in the midst of difficult days.  I believe that all institutions, governments, churches, families, and ministries are being tried in the fire of refinement or they are being judged for their lack of response to God's overtures of grace.

Exposure of our heart to one another and our sincerity of communication will carry us through these difficult times.  We know that the same Lord who wooed us into the family of God is the same Lord who will sustain us through the days of hardship.

In Ephesians 6:13 we are commanded to to take up the entire armor of God for the purpose of survival in this life.  

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Having done all, to stand!  After you cried your eyes out, moaned over your mistakes, vented your frustrations, filled the throne room of heaven with your heart felt petitions, then after all that we are exhorted by Lord... to stand!  Standing is not easy when the winds of persecution are tearing through our lives and our possessions.  The winds of testing are designed to make our roots grow deeper and our faith stronger.

In these days many will forsake a grace giving and merciful God to compromise their convictions to massage their pain away but it will only be a temporary fix! 

Don't take the bait of Satan, don't slip into despair or cynism... this is not the desired end of our Loving Heavenly Father.  No, Stand and face your accusers with the only thing you really possess, the blood of the Lamb of God!  The blood covers all our mistakes and sins and reminds our accuser that He has died and we now no longer have to suffer for sin, we are His sons and daughters!  We inherit everything in the end when the terms of His sacred will are being doled out!

We war with faith even if it is but mere whisper or subconscience grunt or sigh.  As Jesus told us:

Mt 24:33 "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it (your redemption) is near--at the doors!" 

Dan. 11:32 "Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out [great exploits]."

Those who stay focused on Christ through the difficult days will get stronger and stronger and I believe we need the wind and the hard times of oppresion so that we will grow in faith and knowledge in this battle to bring life to a dead and dying world. 

Stand up!  Look up!  When all is falling down around you keep your eyes on the heavens. For the source of your help, strength, healing, wisdom, provision, and most of all your specific grace comes from beyond the stars, directly from the throne of God!

Blessings,

Jonathan