The Power of the Lord's Presence — A Message of Hope in These Perilous Times

COVER LETTER

GOD’S PROMISES NEVER FAIL!

“THE GREAT DEPRESSION”

Newspapers are screaming headlines like this one and others: “Worldwide Economic Collapse,” “Falling Into Depression,” “Conditions Worsen.”

But I want to focus on another depression that is gripping many today. It goes beyond finances and the economy. This great depression has to do with personal struggles that multitudes of God’s people are experiencing. Many saints are facing personal, spiritual and physical battles that depress soul, mind and spirit.

I received a call from a pastor who is enduring an awful physical affliction. He said to me in a weakened, quivering voice, “The past year has been the most trying, heartbreaking period of my whole lifetime. Doctors and family members have almost all given up on me. My pain is growing worse and my medications hardly work anymore…

“I hear about worldwide depression, but that is nothing compared to my spiritual and mental depression. I pray earnestly every day, but Satan floods my mind with terrible lies. He whispers, ’All God has to do is speak a word, and you could be healed. Just a word — yet nothing comes from him. Just a word from God, and you would not be helpless and wasting away as you are now.’ Such lies come at me daily.

“Brother David, I still trust God. I still pray. But, oh, these awful lies! They are the great depression for me.”

I thank God for those whose faith is growing, who also endure severe afflictions yet who “rejoice in sufferings and trials for the results that are more precious than gold.”

Still, Satan has unleashed a flood of lies and accusations against God’s elect in this hour. True, he has always been the father of lies; he has always viciously accused the brethren. But now, in this last hour, his lies and accusations against the elect are unrelenting. He has tried to take praying, faithful saints through Job-like attacks, assaults that come against both body and mind. He is determined to shipwreck our faith, to plant seeds of doubt and distrust, and to harass us into spiritual dullness.

Beloved, hold on! Jesus is with you. Your heavenly Father is allowing this testing time, and he has to do it his way. Satan cast his lies at Jesus in the wilderness, and our Lord set an example of how to deal with these attacks. We are to lay hold of God’s promises, memorize them and get alone with the Lord. I urge you: With every attack, throw up your wall of the Word and stand firm on God’s special promises.

Finally, Satan has no power whatsoever to destroy you. He may touch your body and harass you mentally, but your salvation is not in doubt. Resting in Jesus makes you an overcomer. Fear not!

God bless you. Your support of our mission outreaches in many nations is so appreciated. For information on these ministries, visit: www.worldchallenge.org/missions.

In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON

DW:bbm 3.2.09