by Mark Hodges
W e have been so blessed by God to live in such a wonderful country. I have already been in eight foreign countries this year representing the Lord and our Fellowship. There is nowhere on this earth that I have found that compares to America. Our founding fathers were led by God Almighty to accomplish the establishment of a nation unlike any nation before or perhaps any nation to come.
Having just celebrated the birth of this great nation this past month, we must admit that America is in crisis and needs our prayers.
We are in a financial crisis. How could we be so foolish to think that we could spend our way out of a financial crisis?
We are facing an environmental crisis. Approximately 80,000 barrels of oil a day are running into our Gulf Stream. Some scientists say that once it enters the oceanic current, within 18 months it will affect the whole earth. No one seems to have the solutions. Four Gulf Coast governors asked for a day of prayer for a solution. Alabama’s governor, Bob Riley, said, “Throughout our history, Alabamians have humbly turned to God to ask for His blessings and to hold us steady during times of struggle. This is certainly one of those times.” This should be a matter of prayer!
We are also facing a moral crisis; a cultural crisis; a job crisis; a political crisis; an education crisis; a marriage crisis; a health care crisis; and the list goes on and on. The truth is we are facing a global crisis. I think that it won’t be long before the trumpet sounds!
But the greatest crisis of all is a spiritual crisis. I could go into detail about the corruption and sin in America, but I honestly believe the greatest sin of our day is indifference. Nothing seems to alarm people anymore — even among Christians. The Bible says, “Fools make a mock at sin” (Proverbs 14:9).
God has blessed America mightily, and whether or not He continues to do so is up to us. I believe God has spared judgment on America because of the remaining Bible-believing, Christ-honoring Christians who still love and serve the Lord. But, oh how we need revival among the people of God. Earlier this year, Pastor Armie Jesalva of Cebu City in the Philippines called on the Filipino people to pray for America to experience revival (a video of this plea can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAb2wKkSzNw.
Despite all our sins, the Psalmist said, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Ps. 103:8).
If we will but seek Him, God will hear and answer. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12). Please pray for revival!
How great a privilege it is to be an American! God bless America!!