The years tell us much that the days never knew.  R.W. Emerson  

It was early 2004. My husband and I had recently moved from our beautiful East Texas home to the mountains of North Georgia. We were in the process of settling in to our new home and getting to know both the area and our neighbors. 

In the middle of our community was a lovely chapel that had been part of the original plan. It was a center of life and activity for all who lived there. Our next-door neighbor taught a Sunday school classes in the chapel and he invited us to join the class. 

During this time, a letter arrived with a surprising offer. A Christian organization that we  support had learned of our move to Georgia and told us that they would have a representative in our area. Would we know of any speaking opportunities for her? Only because of this organization’s mission-- supporting persecuted Christians around the world--and the high level of their work, did I call our neighbor and ask if he would allow their speaker to address his class. He agreed without hesitation.

When the day came, a petite, dark-haired woman walked in to the class and introduced herself. If I had any doubts about her ability to hold the attention of the large class, they were erased when she began speaking. Her first words were something like this:

Many of you are wondering if I came today to ask for money. I did not come today to ask for anything, but to give you something. Persecution is coming to our country. Your brothers and sisters around the world want to teach you how to live in the times that are coming.

No one can predict where we are headed as a nation, but looking at the changes that have occurred in our country since 2004, we cannot deny the direction. We must never forget that God is in control and it is He--not politicians or parties or power groups-- that holds the future.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, after you have done everything, to stand…and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Ephesians 6:10-13, 18).

Nancy Shirah