Does this 4th of July seem more like a warzone than a celebration?
In II Chronicles 7:13, God says, “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people . . .” Sound familiar? Sort of like the headlines making daily newsfeeds. Hmmm.
The land of the free and the brave is under siege. Our livelihood, our peace, our freedoms all seem to be in danger. People ask, “Where is God hiding these days?” Maybe
He isn’t. The problem might be ours.
Several biblical instances come to mind. Moses tried to rescue the Israelites from the iron hand of Egyptian rule. When the twelve spies returned from Canaan, the people’s lack of belief and faith in God’s promises sentenced them to forty years in the desert. (Numbers 14:34)
King David endured a three-year famine. When asked, God said the drought was a result of the blood Saul shed when he killed the Gibeonites. (2 Samuel 21)
As new Christians, Ananias and Sapphira brought an offering to Peter. He asked them why they lied to the Holy Spirit. The couple died where they stood. (Acts 5:1-11)
Could it be the great God of heaven has found us wanting? Guilty of sins? Unholy?
In the companion verse, II Chronicles 7:14, God says, “If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
Though often quoted, do we really see what this verse says? God says humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness—four very clear, very distinct steps:
- Humble
- Pray
- Seek
- Turn
Then. . . and only then. . .
He will. . .
- Hear
- Forgive
- Heal
God’s final words are poignant in II Chronicles 7:15: “Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”
In this time of world uncertainty–terrorist fears, severe drought, shootings, and corruption in high places–perhaps each one of us should ask what role we should play in effecting change? Will you join me on your knees and beseech the God of heavens for forgiveness and healing?
Maybe then God can bless America.