How Long, O Lord?

Ryan Cox • February 8, 2021

“ 2 How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You will not hear? I cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ Yet You do not save. 3 Why do You make me see iniquity, and cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted. ” Habakkuk 1:2-4

In the midst of a global pandemic, shutdowns, job losses, cities set ablaze, first responders and innocent citizens attacked or killed, fraudulent elections, unconstitutional acts, the silencing and cancelling of opposition, public promotions of immorality and debauchery, and the public support and protection of slaying innocents (abortion), we may feel as hopeless as the prophet Habakkuk.

Indeed, our situation in America seems to mirror the words of the prophet’s cry. Has the Lord abandoned us? Has He turned a blind eye to the sin and ruin? Have we reached a point of no return, of no longer worthy of our nation being saved and preserved? Is there anything we can do or look forward to?

Heed the words of the Lord spoken to Habakkuk!

“ 1:5 Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days – you would not believe if you were told… 2:20 But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him. ”

First, we must have unshakable faith that the God of the universe has not been dethroned; He is still in command! We trust His unfathomable wisdom when we do not understand. We are comforted by His unending grace and mercy.

Then, we are encouraged to stand and continue the Kingdom work through the love of Christ.

“ 1:4 Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith… 3:2 Lord, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known.”

So we shall live by faith. We will pray for revival. We will engage in His work. We will forever love our neighbors, even those who oppose Him. We will serve with humility and share the love of our Savior and the hope of the Gospel. We will not let the trifles of man nor the powers of darkness intimidate us into inaction nor provoke us unto malice. For we are “ not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation ” (Romans 1:16).

We will let the Spirit lead, the Sword of truth pierce, and the Gospel message convert as we faithfully serve all our days as He, and He alone, is worthy to be praised.  

“ 3:18-19 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength. ”

March 2026 Printed Newsletter

March 19, 2026
Signing the Mayflower Compact by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1899

A Miraculous Storm-part 2

By Ryan Cox • March 19, 2026
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
model train engine

Looking Back

By Matt Miles • March 19, 2026
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.
Show More