When the Mayflower first touched America’s shore, those Pilgrims who survived the ocean voyage gathered below deck to compose The Mayflower Compact. It began, “In the name of God, amen.” In it they stated their purpose for coming to this new land: “for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.”
I believe God put a hedge of protection at that time around this country. The Bible teaches a doctrine of hedges. We can see it in the life of Job (Job 1:9-10) and in ancient Israel (Isaiah 5:1-5). And for the next three centuries America was strong — because America’s first line of defense has not been the military, but God Himself.
But in the last 50 years we’ve politely told God, with the aid of the ACLU and others, that we can handle things ourselves. He can take His hedge and go back to heaven. If you want to read the signs of our times, see in Scripture what it was like before God destroyed the world with a flood — a day of secular philosophy, scientific progress, sexual immorality, selfish indifference, and stunning violence. Sound familiar?
The Author of Hope Is God
Our nation was shaken to her knees this time nine years ago, but the fear that once gripped every heart has now turned to apathy. There are some things, however, that cannot be shaken:
God’s Sovereignty (Romans 11:36)
You and I dwell in time. God dwells in eternity. Past, present and future are all alike to Him. “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
God’s Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Some sailors were trying to steer their boat one night in the middle of a storm. They didn’t know which direction land was. Then the clouds opened and a sailor saw the North Star. “Now I know the direction to land!” he said. They manned the oars and began to pull toward shore. “Keep your eye on that star,” he continued, “for if we lose sight of it, we’re lost.” There is a star in the heavens — God Himself, and His kingdom cannot fall.
God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23)
When things are unsure and there’s bad news all around, the solid, sure Word of God stands firm and will never fail. I’m not so interested in what some philosopher, politician, or scientist has to say about current events. I want to know what God says.
God’s Grace (2 Corinthians 9:8)
There are twin towers of God’s Word which can never be shaken: one is faith, the other hope. Both stand upon the foundation of the grace of God. God is a loving God. He wants to forgive and heal America. How I thank God we can stand on His grace.
The Call to Respond to God
It’s time to “stay upon [our] God.” (Isaiah 50:10) Believers know we cannot exist without God, yet we’re often overcome with the cares of this world because we question whether God is enough. What does it mean to “stay upon” God? Cast yourselfcompletely upon Him.
Seek God (2 Chronicles 7:14)
It’s time for every person to seek God. We could host a prayer meeting every hour for the next 100 years, but all the prayer in the world won’t do any good unless we humble ourselves before God, seek Him, and repent! “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) We as individuals must repent. We as a nation must repent.
Show the Love Of God (Romans 1:16)
It’s time to call upon God for holy boldness, divine appointments, and open hearts. To get out of our comfort zones and make sacrifices. To tell a neighbor about the God who cares. Would to God that every person reading this article would live the truth, tell the truth, speak the truth, believe the truth, and love the truth. This is an opportunity for the diamond of God’s love to shine on the dark velvet of terrible wickedness.
Unite and Work for Peace (Proverbs 14:34)
It’s time to unite for the cause of Christ. There was a time when our enemies would look at this nation and say, There’s something different. Has that time passed? Or can we unite and work for peace as one nation under God? Before the world falls apart, believers need to come together.