July 7, 2026

World in Crisis

It takes enormous faith and discipline to set your mind on Jesus in the face of a threat, a natural calamity, or even a virus. Christians are scoffed at for believing God has our backs even in a pandemic or flood or tornado. But God has our backs! Once we clearly establish that truth in our minds we can walk by faith through anything and show no fear. What a powerful blessing that is

Trials are difficult. But we should expect faith to be tested! God not only wants to bless us, He wants us to grow in trust, mature in grace and goodness toward others, and to learn to walk in a pattern of confidence because we belong to Him. It is absurdly immature to think we can develop character in an unchallenged and comfortable bubble.

The thoughts and opinions of others should never cause us to deny our Lord who loves us. Too often we remain silent when groups or individuals blaspheme His name or taunt His followers. Sometimes it is a crude joke or a blanket statement disrespecting Christians. We walk away, knowing we should have spoken up, should have defended our faith. Confrontation is not easy. We feel that level of guilt and humiliation Peter felt when the rooster crowed. Lord, give me strength to never cease speaking up on Your behalf!

Hard times are a part of life’s journey. We know we are living in difficult times. I think we are called to pray for those in power at this moment, to pray for America and its traditions. It can feel like evil people are in control. We have to pray for them to feel God’s power and love. Faith is vital in our culture. Who knows why God has allowed this apparent takeover of logic and thinking but faith tells us to believe, hang on in faith and He will restore. Just remember to pray for those in control.

We hear things that trigger fear and worry every day. We are manipulated by a biased media. Advertisers are primarily driven by greed, and a fearful, insecure public can be convinced to spend a lot of money. Let’s instead commit to God’s love, His protection and His intense good will for us. God didn’t promise He would provide everything the world prompts us to wear or eat. He promised to provide enough. Stay in faith. Always.

Father God, I am sorry for the times I have wanted things I didn’t really need, for wanting name brands, better cars or bigger houses. So many of us have more than we need, Lord. We must rent storage rooms where we pile up all our extra blessings. While people stand on street corners asking for shoes or a warm coat. Thank You, Lord, that I have never truly been hungry, have never huddled homeless and alone. You have kept every promise and Your love is always wrapped around me.

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Romans 5:17