March 26, 2026

Hard times and difficult seasons are a part of life’s journey. And in the midst of trouble, God asks us to pray for those who cause most struggles. Matthew 5:44 says, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

We know we are living in challenging times. We’re called to pray for those in power, to pray for America and its traditions. That means we pray for our government no matter who is in power. When the Israelites were hauled off to Babylon, God told them to settle in, have hope, pray and believe He would restore life and everything they lost in His own timing. Faith is vital in our present culture. Traditional conduct is in upheaval. Who knows why God has allowed this apparent takeover of logic and belief but faith tells us to believe. Rather than live in anger and complaint, our most effective move is to obey God and pray for those in control,

Father God, Thank you for telling us in advance that all these strange and challenging times were coming. Thank You, none of this took Your followers and those who study Your Word by surprise. We ask, God, for Your love and protection to cover the martyrs around the world who are being killed for loving Jesus. We ask for courage to boldly speak of our faith in dangerous situations. I pray we never deny our love for You. Such denial, for a moment’s safety, will cause You to deny us. Let us be grateful You have trusted us for such a time as this.

Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Revelation 6:9