Independence Day, as a celebration has passed for 2017, however, independence is still on my mind. With all the infighting and bickering and political posturing, I ask myself, “Where has our independence gone? When did it leave?”
I will tell you when I woke up to the fact that we may no longer have the freedom, protection, or the joy of independence any longer. For me, it was that dark and frightful day of September 11, or, as we have termed, 9-11.
Beloved, we are a nation whose independence is nearly a distant memory. However, the American story does not need to end that way.
The President, Congress, Supreme Court, and even our preachers are not our final hope, neither are they our best hope. Only the Almighty God can save and redirect this nation called America, the Beautiful. Pray for America!
God has said, “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 . . . forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Christian, it is our responsibility to pray for America. We must humble ourselves and confess the sins of this nation as well as our own sin. Being Americans, we all stand guilty before God for the sinful acts the nation participates in that are contrary to His Holy Word. The power of our praying will be the power within the word, repentance! God empowers a contrite heart. God promised this when He instructed us in James 5:16, “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Here is the Christian citizen’s directive:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (I Timothy 2:1-8)
We must pray for our nation, and we do that best when we pray for our leaders.
Beg the LORD to give to each leader that serves us godly wisdom. Our mandate is to intercede (stand in the gap) for those in authority, whether they know God or not, and trust God to bring godliness, and peacefulness to our nation and homes. Pray that God will free our people from the sins that destroy this nation. Pray that God will protect us from the enemies within and without. Watch and Pray, America! “Awake, thou that sleepeth!”
Very few alive today have seen a widespread spiritual awakening. I have read and studied the great awakenings and revivals of the past; I do not want to just read about them anymore, I want to experience one!
Oh, that we might experience an awakening that would bring millions to the Cross of Christ and humble our churches and nation. Many are praying for yet another mighty out-pouring of God’s Spirit upon North America. That is my heart’s cry as well! Come On, Church, Pray On!
