I read an article today announcing that religion in America is rapidly declining, and that Americans are losing their faith in unprecedented numbers. As I’ve thought about these statements, I’m compelled to take on a more empathetic position towards the number of Americans who feel their faith just isn’t enough in these tough economic times.

Struggling in our faith is a common experience that we all share, no matter how seasoned we are in spiritual matters. If we believe that our battle is against things we cannot see, and understand that there is a war waged against us for our very soul, why would we be exempt from having seasons of doubt?

We are in good company. A laundry list of “spiritual giants” grappled with the idea of whether or not God would ‘show up’ and meet them in their time of trouble, even though many of them had seen God do the impossible in situations past. We are told that Abraham went from faith to faith, which would imply that he had to continue to press in and believe even when there seemed to be no reasonable escape from the situations he faced. Whether it’s Billy Graham, Mother Theresa or King David himself, we see through history that no one escapes times of testing.

It’s not about the test we see with our eyes; it’s about whether or not we will pass the test with faith! If we do, we can count on remarkable things happening in and through us as a result. Our “tent cords” will be stretched out and we will see things we never dreamed possible become reality…..if we will choose to Press In.

During these economically challenging times, I’m reminded that Jesus spoke about money and wealth more than any other subject. He did so, because our feelings about financial loss or gain speak directly to the issue of where our trust and allegiance lie…in government, in others, in ourselves…or in God, our Father.

I write this in the middle of a business meltdown of our own -- the uncertainty of what lies ahead financially, and the threat of losing what we have worked so hard to accomplish. BUT, I know with a certainty like never before, that this trial has passed through the fingers of One whom I trust implicitly…because He has brought me/us through even tougher trials. Therefore, I am able to ‘rest’ in the knowledge that the challenges set before us are ones that will shape and mold our character and prepare us for the next assignment….whatever that may be!

I want to encourage you….Press In. The challenges we face are temporary, and the hope and our future is secure, regardless of what our eyes can see!