5 Jul, 2006

Fireworks Yesterday. Tears Today.

What do you think is our country’s greatest need?
Fireworks at Washington Monument.

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 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 and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (ESV)

Today's scripture is often used to refer to our country's need for spiritual revival. The context for this verse is about the story of King Solomon praying a prayer of dedication for the temple constructed for the LORD.

After a time of worship and dedication, the LORD appeared to Solomon to tell him the conditions for His people to experience His forgiveness. God was promising His people His blessings if they would follow His plan for them.

Our country has been greatly blessed by God, but Israel was God's chosen people. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 was written for Israel, but 1st Peter 2:9 says that those of us who follow Jesus Christ are also God's people! So, as "God's people", we should apply the instructions in 2nd Chronicles 7:14 in our own lives. We should also use the truth of this verse to pray for America, because it's obvious that our country, as great as it is, has drifted away from God and is in need of forgiveness and spiritual revival.

If we’re honest, we will admit that the problems in America begin with each of us. We must personally respond to God’s Story by getting right with God and then modeling a life of following and abiding in Jesus to those around us. Imagine if every follower of Jesus lived out the truth of today’s scripture! Maybe God’s plan is for you – the young people of America – to lead the way?

  • For yourself and for America, pray that we would....
    • HUMBLE ourselves before God
    • ADMIT to God our need for Him to forgive us for our sins
    • SEEK Him continually
    • TURN from our sinful behavior
  • Finish by thanking and praising Him for His blessings on you and our country.
  • Pray for our country every day for one month. Watch how God uses your prayers. Write a list of ways that God has blessed America and save it as a reminder to keep praying for our nation.
  • Memorize 2nd Chronicles 7:14 as a reminder to pray for America.

Remember that the best way to connect your story and God’s Story to Their Story is to start by praying for others and then learning Their Story. When the subject of America’s problems come up or political issues get personal, look for those moments when you can talk about personal needs rather than what is “politically correct”.

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God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.