It’s Time to Repent (2 Chronicles 7:14)

*This article was originally published in the Contact Newsletter of First Baptist Church of Mabank in July 2009.

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, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (NAS)

In his book, Holiness: God’s Plan for Fullness of Life, Henry Blackaby states:

It is the people of God who can truly shape a nation. Many look

to great leaders or powerful governments to shape a nation.

But most likely, leaders and governments will not restore a nation

once it is on the downward slide. While leaders and governments

can influence a nation, there is no group of people who can determine

the coming years of a nation like God’s people.

If we want to see  our nation change, political activism is not the answer for believers.  Our vote, while being important, is not the answer.  Our prayers alone are not the answer.  If we want to see our nation change and be more godly, first we must change.  Sin can no longer be the norm for God’s people.  We must aspire to holiness.

Secondly, if we want to see our nation change, we must become more determined than ever to put the gospel into the hands and minds of the lost and allow God to perform a heart-change in our land. We can no longer sit back and say that we are witnessing by our actions.  God’s word demands that we use our voices as well as our lives. Pray to God for boldness to share His gospel and He will give it to you (Acts 4:29 & 31) and let’s change our nation through our obedience and God’s power!

For God's Glory,
Chris S. Sweet