Based on “The Battle Is Not Yours, but God’s” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/9-10/10,
Message #MB403; Daily Devotional #3 - “Heal our Land”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. (2 Chronicles 20:1-4) I can’t imagine the fear the people of Judah felt at this time, let alone the King. I often wonder how we would react if our country were being invaded by an army wanting to destroy us?
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): When I look at the state of our nation today, I must admit that I try my very best not to get too upset or fearful about the future. The events that have transpired over the last year have really caused my head to spin. But just when fear tries to take hold of me, I stop and seek the Lord for direction and peace. I remember the promise of God that, as His child, I have nothing to fear because He is with me, and He will never leave nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). This promise is for you as well. Regardless of what happens, we can know that our lives are in the palm of His hand.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As Christ followers we have a responsibility to not only pray and seek the Lord for our needs, but to intercede for others and to pray for our nation’s leaders. What would happen to our nation if we all fasted and prayed, just as they did in the days of Jehoshaphat? I believe that we would see God intervene, if we humbled ourselves in prayer and sought Him for direction. If everyone got on their knees and prayed, the enemy would run for cover and revival would take place. We don’t know the appointed time for the last days, but Jesus did give us signs to look for (Matthew 24). We can’t stop the appointed time, but we can do the work of Christ and take as many people as we can to heaven with us. One of the promises that I love is found in Jeremiah. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. (Jeremiah 18:7) America has drifted farther and farther away from the principles it was founded on. Our leaders have denied that we are “One Nation under God”. But as the body of believers, we can pray for our leaders and nation. We can pray for a return to our Lord and Savior. I pray that one day soon we will be a nation that humbles itself just as Judah did. I pray that we stand before the Lord for instruction and wisdom. He can fix anything if we let Him (2 Chronicles 7:14). Nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). As you fast and pray this week, pray for our leaders and for healing and restoration for our land. Pray also for the Lord’s role for you in fulfilling the “Great Commission”.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 2 Chronicles 20; Acts 13:1-3
HS
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.