The Victory That Overcomes (Part II)

America celebrates July 4 as the day that our country’s leaders declared our independence from England. The mother country had strapped our early fore-fathers with laws that hindered religious freedoms and forced unreasonable taxes. Through the spilling of much blood, America became the “land of the free; one nation under God with freedom and justice for all.” We rejoice in the freedoms that have been given to us in America; yet, we stand in awe of what is declared as “freedom” in our land.

Are Americans free to slaughter the unborn child? Where is the baby’s freedom? Does freedom include two men being allowed to marry, or two women being married? Does “Freedom of speech” mean the freedom to spread pornography through the internet or spew the dregs of venomous words through our televisions, radios, etc.? Do we applaud the freedom for anyone to come into America, lift up their gods, while they disdain Christians?

I cry out, “Oh God forgive America. We have failed You. Please be merciful to our land. You still have Your children here who acknowledge that their freedom is in Christ Jesus and no other.” I see God’s hand of mercy to His own throughout scripture. Yes, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, but He delivered Lot, his wife, and two daughters. Yes, the world was destroyed by a flood, but God led righteous Noah to build an ark that saved him and his family. Do we see trouble in America? Yes, on every side. Fear attempts to grip our hearts. What does the future hold? I do not know how much trouble we will see, but God promised that “He would never leave us nor forsake us” and that “the gates of hell would not prevail against the church” (Heb. 13:5; Mt. 16:18).

Church, you born-again ones, I encourage you, “fear not.” In John 16:33 (Amp.), we read, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]".