How do we face the uncertainty of this day? "Everything is spiraling out of control", "We are living in unprecedented times", "We have absolutely NO idea what is going to happen next!!!"... this is the background noise of our lives this day, but God offers us clarity in the midst of the madness. First of all, reject the spirit of fear. It does not come from God, nor is it honoring to Him for His people to walk in fear. We are called to live with our eyes fixed steadfastly on God who is our life… to do this is to cast out any other fear. But more, the spirit that has been given to us is a threefold spirit that makes is possible to live above our circumstances. We have been given a spirit of power; this is not hocus pocus, not "name it and claim it" speaking it into existence, not visualization and hype… it is a spirit that comes from God and has real and unshakable spiritual authority. You have the Spirit of God living inside of you, and this Spirit conveys to you His own power over the sin that seeks to crush you. Before anything else, this Spirit of power must live in you. But power without love is a monster, this is why the Spirit also is a Spirit of love. It is the love of God that compels us to walk in grace and mercy towards both those who are outside and towards those who are in crisis among God's children. It is the love of God that makes us able to endure attacks, wounds, pain and sorrow… it is the love of God that enabled Christ to pray "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"… and this same love gives us a focus that takes our eyes off of our own circumstances and allows us to share Christ in the difficult places and times. And lastly, the Spirit gives to us a sound mind. Here is where we begin to think clearly about all of the messaging going on around us. It helps us to realize, that nothing was ever in OUR control and that nothing is now OUT of God's control. That every time is unprecedented, and that we have never really had any idea what was going to happen next… beloved, I urge you by the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, do not give in to the fear. Instead stand in power, love with purpose and think with clarity as the Spirit of God uses you in this day!