When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. Luke 1:5-7
Good people remain faithful in the worst of times.
Herod was a terrible tyrant that only thought of keeping his rule secure. He had no spiritual value to him at all and did not lead the people into a worshipful relationship with Yahweh.
Even those these were not the best of times, it still brought out the commitment to God in some people like Zechariah and Elizabeth.
The Bible declares them to be righteous in God’s eyes and careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.
Still the most faithful can have their time of faithlessness.

While performing some priestly duties, Zechariah is visited by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel tells him that he will father a child in his old age – a regular Abrahamic type miracle.
The child is to be named John and will be filled with the Holy Spirit before he’s born. He’s never to drink alcohol and will turn the hearts of many back to God. He will be come in the power of Elijah.
Now this Godly righteous man says to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Luke 1:18

Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we’re living in bad times. Our leaders have no respect for Yahweh; no respect for our Founders, or the documents by which this nation was created.
Sin is allowed in the name of tolerance.
Obscenities, immorality, and blaspheme are all protected by law.
Still there is a remnant of faithful followers; born-again believers that persistently pray for the nation and stand up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
They believe the scriptures as the one truth of God and Jesus as Savior and Messiah.

But in hard times it is sometimes hard to hold onto the faith. Trials, tribulations, and persecution all wear the spirit down; but at the same time these same things make us stronger.

Stand strong, my friends, and put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10-20) every day and face the world with a prayer and a smile.
I want to remind you that you are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37