We know that many of the battles we face today – culturally, economically, academically – are spiritual battles that cannot be won by relying on our own strength and methods (Col. 1:18; Jer. 17:5). In truth, these battles must first and continually be waged through prayer to our holy, righteous and merciful God.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

Many believe that our compiled problems in this state are a result of apathy, inaction (past and present) and unrepentant sin within the Body of Christ.

And while we celebrate the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Center decision in last June, and praise God that Roe v. Wade is no longer the “law of the land,” we realize that Illinois is fast becoming the abortion mecca of the Midwest. Planned Parenthood and other abortion cheerleaders have and are working diligently to open up new death centers near the borders to accommodate out-of-state victims.

Our state lawmakers seem to want to secure future Planned Parenthood clients with the passage of SB 818, which requires the teaching of depraved “comprehensive” sex-education to impressionable young children in kindergarten through 12th grade in Illinois public schools. Make no mistake, these lessons will encourage our young people to engage in early risky and sinful sexual activity that will only damage them emotionally, physically and spiritually.

This is why Democratic state lawmakers also repealed the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act (HB 370). I, for one, am convinced that our foolish lawmakers are happy to foster an environment that will result in more victims and more blood-money for the abortion industry.

And how about our political corruption problem? From 1970 to 2010, about 1,500 officials in Illinois were convicted for corruption. As I post this article, we are waiting for Michael Madigan to go on trial. As you know, he was the longest-serving Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, serving from 1983 to 2021. He is currently facing federal racketeering and bribery charges for allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates.

The lack of honest and wise public servants (yes, there are a few) has had devastating consequences: Illinois is ranked 50th for fiscal policy; 45th in unemployment; 3rd in unfunded pension liabilities; with failing government schools; has one of the highest sales tax in the nation; the most judges indicted (operations Greylord & Gambat); 32 Chicago Alderman and over 1,000 state and municipal employees in addition to 5 of our last 9 elected governors indicted. That’s more indictments than the other 49 states combined!

The spiritual battle between good and evil — between truth and lies — is ongoing and formidable. Young girls and their unborn babies are victimized by abortion; young children are taught that sexual activity is expected of them and perversion is normal; marriage and parental rights are under assault; addictions are promoted; government schools have become indoctrination camps; gender specific nouns and pronouns are being mandated; and now some insist that we believe that men can get pregnant or “chestfeed” infants.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Can you see the connection between what we condone in the natural and what is taking place in the spiritual? It’s only through fervent prayer and a return to Him by His people that we will begin to see God change our culture.

When you read God’s promise in 2 Chronicles to heal our land IF Christians repent and pray, there’s no denying that our current state of affairs is the responsibility of the Church and that our land is in desperate need of a healing that only God can bring.

2 Chronicles 7:14

…if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

And through our resolve to seek Him and live holy lives He promises to provide everything we need.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

God is waiting for His people to turn to Him. He promises that if we pray according to His will, He hears us. Our God reigns, and the battle is His!

1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.

There’s nothing too big that He can’t correct. God clearly has the answer to the compounding Illinois crises.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! 

James 5:6

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Illinois Family Institute (IFI) is a ministry that trusts and stands upon God’s Word, striving to obey and believing that our ministry actions and purpose cannot be accomplished without fervent prayer and fasting. That is why our IFI Prayer Team must always be a vital and permanent part of our ministry and that is why we are asking you to join us.

The IFI Prayer Team will be asked to regularly pray for our troubled state, our legislators and local officials, as well as the ministry needs of IFI, and more. Prayer requests will include public policy issues, praying for elected officials, and various statewide needs as the Holy Spirit may lead.

IFI will communicate specific prayer needs to the IFI Prayer Team by email on a timely basis and communicate answered prayer or prayer updates so that praise and thanksgiving is also a vital element.

We can’t do it without God and He won’t do it without us.

If you pray and believe that God hears and answers prayer, will you join the IFI Prayer Team?

Click HERE to join. You will soon start receiving specific prayer requests as well as the names of legislators for which you can pray.

Thank you and God bless you!

Call the IFI office at (708) 781-9328