"Jesus is with you even when you don't feel his presence. He is never so close to you as he is during your spiritual battles. He is always there, close to you, encouraging you to fight your battle courageously. He is there to ward off the enemy's blows so that you may not be hurt." Saint Padre Pio

Often we feel alone in our struggles against the power of evil. But the truth is that we are never alone. For the struggle is not only ours but Christ's, who is in us. He has already defeated the enemy. We must make our own his victory over evil. His strengthening grace is there to help us remain faithful and not to cave in to the temptation. Each victory is a strengthening of our bond with God. Each defeat is an invitation to repent and depend more upon the Lord.  Because what we are striving for is life with God forever. The temptations are only distractions and attempts to give up our quest. Remember what God has done for us and what God desires for us. In our fight, let God take the lead and follow him.