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      Before she died, an elderly lady wanted to visit England, the home of her ancestors. She needed a passport, so she went to the Federal Office and applied.

     "You must take the loyalty oath first," the passport clerk said. "Raise your right hand, please."

     The senior citizen raised her right hand as the clerk asked, "Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, domestic or foreign?"

     The sweet old face paled and the voice trembled as she responded, "Well, I guess so, but ... will I have help, or will I have to do it all by myself?"

     I understand exactly how she felt!  When God calls us to wage war "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12), it can be a bit intimidating.  Until we realize that we are not called to fight all by ourselves.  God is on our side and "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4).

     It has always been a common fear among God's people, but God's answer has always been the same.

     Moses was afraid to confront Pharaoh, but God assured him that "I will certainly be with you." (Exodus 3:12).

     Joshua was afraid to lead the people of Israel into Canaan, but God said, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5).

     Gideon was afraid to fight the Midianites, but God said, "Surely I will be with you." (Judges 6:16).

     We live in a world of darkness.  There are times when evil seems to have the upper hand and we are afraid to stand for what is is right.  But God reminds us, "'I will never leave nor forsake you.'  So we may boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear:  what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).  A difficult fight lies ahead for all of us.  But we do not have to fight it all by ourselves!-alan smith