April 28, 2022: Most people believe that when they begin following Christ their lives will become simpler, easier with more blessings.  Jesus clearly stated that if they persecuted Him, they would persecute His followers. Most people, like me, think the following: let me get this straight; I surrender my life to you and now my troubles begin?  That does not seem correct, does it?  Or does it?  Can we trust a God that says we must follow Him even through the fiercest of storms?  Paul reminds us that we are not fighting against physical forces but the invisible spiritual world. Because Jesus gave up His place with the Father to become human and saved people like you and me from a life of sin and the effects that sin has on our lives, Satan has declared war on anyone who follows Jesus. We are holy targets.  If Jesus can give up His power and glory to save humanity, then it seems logical that the few problems we experience on earth are worth the salvation of our souls.  King David experienced this firsthand when running from Saul, he placed his faith in God who had appointed him King over Israel. David lived a life committed to God experiencing many hardships but God protected him during the storms.  He did not remove the storms but provided strength to endure.  In Psalm 18:19-20 David proclaims his salvation, “He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence.”  Did you read that right? God considered David innocent because of his commitment to Him. God considers us innocent when He looks at us through the lens of the work of Jesus on the cross. He provides a ‘place of safety’ while we endure the storms of spiritual warfare.  If you are in a storm, don’t worry, God will give you strength too. He will provide a covering for you during the crisis you are experiencing; only trust in Him. When the storm is over, look for His hand until you see the good that God provides following the storm.  Our God is good and is faithful to the end providing something wonderful out of the storms.