I haven’t talked a lot about the South Africa trip for two reasons; 1) We haven’t had a time slot open to a full report and 2) I was processing my struggle. Yes, you read that right, I struggled. But of course that should not be news to you unless you don’t know human beings very well. We live in a world of conflict and we have real enemies. The world system, the enemy of our souls and our own flesh is against the good life of God. God, on the other hand, has provided new life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This new life (eternal life) and the ways of this world are in conflict. There is antagonism. Even though I know this and have preached about it I still get surprised when assaults come upon me. Since I am in my 50’s I should know this is normal but I still don’t like it. If you are familiar with Tolkien’s writings, you might identify with this statement“I just want to live in the Shire.” The Shire is where the Hobbits live, away from the conflict of Middle Earth. The Shire is the place of peace and sunshine. In the Shire there is order, routine, predictability and convenience. But that is not the journey we are on. No matter how hard we try to make it that way in the “here and now” we are looking for something that is only promised in the “there and then.” Jesus our Master said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) So, what He promised was trouble and the ability to overcome the trouble in partnership with Him. He is faithful and I am thankful! I have struggled with the idea of sharing my struggle but finally decided to talk about it since most of you are struggling and since I learned a few lessons in the process that might be helpful. So, Sunday we’ll talk about stuff we don’t talk about very much—the struggle in this journey we are on. There is joy and victory in the journey but the journey is not without peril. Isaac Watts asked, “Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God?” Answer: No. But we are not alone, we are never alone! And, it is in the struggle where we meet Him, grow in grace and increase our faith. Through the struggle our faith is affirmed and our rewards are gained. You don’t have to say “yes” to the struggle, it’s already a part of life. The question is, “Will you say “yes” to God in the struggle?”