God is with us during trials

The battles we face in this world are causing many to be weary.

The enemy’s attacks are getting stronger as the forces of evil seek to wound and discourage those who belong to Christ.

Many believers are crying out for Jesus to return soon and save them from all this darkness.

We are indeed in the devil’s crosshairs, and he is not backing down.

His plan is to kill your hope, steal your joy and destroy your future.

His arsenal is filled with weapons of lies and discouragement aimed toward every believer.

His fiery darts of fear and doubt can pierce the hearts of struggling saints causing some to wonder if God really hears their prayers.

We are all suffering the effects of a fallen world as we endure hardship of every kind.

But as hopeless as it may seem, the fact remains that the victory of Christ is at the core of a believer’s every trial.

That profound truth should give hope to those who are going through serious trials.

Keep in mind that all we fear is under God’s sovereign authority and plan.

Our battles have been won, and although we still must fight the good fight, believers are guaranteed the victory.

Those who belong to Christ are already standing in the winner’s circle surrounded by God’s angels.

We are not alone nor left to fend for ourselves.

We are a chosen people who will one day rule with Christ in heaven.

The forces of hell and the darkness of this world cannot stop the royal future that Jesus died to give us.

He has gone to prepare a place for us so wonderful that our finite minds cannot begin to comprehend the beauty that awaits us.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:12 that as we face trials we are to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

That is what sets us apart from the world.

We can trust that in all things, our God is sufficient.

He will not leave us alone in the battle nor allow us to perish.

You can have peace even though your problems seem hopeless when you understand in your heart that ultimately, God’s purpose for you won’t fail.

He is not waiting for you to be stronger, wiser or holier before he will help you.

He already has the plan worked out.

Your future cannot be destroyed by the troubles of this world.

In Exodus 14, God led Moses and Israelites away from Egypt as Pharaoh and his army pursued them. As their enemy approached, the Israelites feared what would happen. They had come to the bank of the Red Sea and had no way to cross.

Moses also saw the enemy but by faith he told the people, “The Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

God then told Moses to lift his staff over the sea and divide it.

After that, God did something amazing.

All through the desert, Jesus, the angel of God, led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

However, when they got to the Red Sea, the angel of God, who was in front of the Israelites, suddenly moved and went behind them coming between the Egyptian army and the people of Israel.

His presence protected his people completely as he made a way for the Israelites to cross safely through the Red Sea.

Never doubt that God is going to make a way for you too.

He has your back covered.

Your impossible situation is under his authority, and he knows how to make it work out in his perfect plan for you.

Whatever storm you are facing, there is always hope if you will surrender it to Christ to do as he pleases.

Be strong and believe.

Remember discouragement is a lying spirit which ushers in doubt.

Take your thoughts captive and line them up with the truth.

We are so close to the glorious appearing of Christ.

He is with you right now, so you have only to be silent.

Marianne Lordi attends Old North Church in Canfield.