“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3-5).

In our nation’s history, we’ve faced despair through various heart-wrenching times. The Civil War alone claimed the lives of over 600,000 soldiers, while an additional 266,000 heroes returned from foreign wars shrouded in our nation’s flag. The financial collapse of 1929, spiraled many into a pit of economic despair in the Great Depression. The year 2021 saw a tragic loss of 70,000 lives to synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. Today, we find ourselves wrestling with a host of other issues—the indictment of Former President Trump, economic instability, a pervasive distrust of the government, and others.

Yet, it is through adversity that the American spirit is honed. The greater the challenge, the more profound the purpose that arises from it, and the more opportunities God finds to manifest His goodness. Genesis 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Even in difficult moments, God can turn any situation around for good. In the midst of our struggles and trials, it is comforting to know that our hardships are not in vain, but are part of a greater divine plan that can ultimately lead to our growth and transformation as a country. All is NOT lost. God is with us!

Your Call to Action

Now, more than ever, it is time to unite, to stand firm in the face of adversity, and to transform our trials into triumphs. We need your strength, your courage, your resilience. These scriptures remind us of the strength that comes from enduring struggles and reassure us of God’s unwavering presence during these times.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Prayer

Lord, You alone are God and we worship You in this moment. Be with our country, Lord. We repent of all we have done and accepted that is against Your will and design. Please reveal the truth to those who need to hear and see it. Help us experience a time of growth and transformation to align with You. Be with our elected officials and help them to make good, honest decisions on our behalf. Help our elections to be secure and for Your will to be done in the days ahead. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!

A Comforting Closure

Let us hold on tight to faith and hope, knowing God is working things out for our ultimate good.