It's been said, "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times” (G. Michael Scott). It seems that we are reaping today the effects of a life that was a bit too easy yesterday. Although these are tough times, there is good news. It is the fire of the crucible that forges steel and purifies gold. It is the fire of persecution that forges Christians. As the church is forged into what it was meant to be, we are faced with a decision.