Rise Up & Pray

It is difficult to watch the news. We see violent civil unrest raging across the United States. Lines of demarcation have been drawn between political parties, diverse groups, races, and religions. Recently, we were in shock and disbelief as we watched unspeakable evil unfold in Las Vegas. This spiritual storm of malefic hatred and divisiveness has been percolating over the last few years and will become a sure path to the dismantling of this Nation, if God’s people don’t rise up and pray.

This malevolent, spiritual storm was birthed in the Garden of Eden when the Serpent twisted the truth and persuaded Eve that God was a liar, manipulator, and withholder of good things. Ironically, Satan, the embodiment of pure evil and the father of lies, is a manipulator, accuser, and destroyer of all things good. However, “On [judgment] day, the LORD with His harsh, great, and strong sword will bring judgment on Leviathan, (Satan) the fleeing serpent—Leviathan, the twisting serpent. He will slay the monster that is in the sea.” (Isa. 27:1).

The name “Leviathan” comes from a root word that means, “to twist.” What better way to bring division than to twist and distort truth, so that we should believe a lie? The “sea” represents the world’s unruly and lawless society. Satan has governed this world since man chose to sin (2 Corinthians 4:4). Although his day of reckoning is coming, he continues his impassioned mission to manipulate, distort, and pervert truth, which then separates, divides, and destroys.

Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand, and if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:24-26). The tragedy in Las Vegas showed the indomitable American spirit and what happens when people are unified in one purpose and willing to help one another, even at the risk of losing their own life to save others. If America continues on this path of unity rather than a path of separatism, we will rise up as a strong and unified nation, for we are only as strong as we are united. Divided we will surely fall.

According to Proverb 6:14, it is a perverted and evil heart that sows discord. We, as Christians, do not want to be counted among those who sow discord by speaking evil against another. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (James 4:11; Matthew 5:9). In fulfilling that role, we can and should express our views, but those views should be communicated in a non-hostile, non-confrontational manner, remembering that if we answer a fool according to his folly, we become like that fool (Proverbs 26:4).

The only way to break down barriers of divisive separatism is for people to stop the discord on social media. Instead, it would be far more beneficial to spend that time praying for our country and those in leadership over us. We can present our views for or against an ideology without attacking the person or a group of people that hold ideologies that differ from ours.

Nothing can or will change for the better until we pray for others and forgive as the Lord has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). For if we are His, we will submit ourselves under His authority, seek His face, turn from our sinful ways, and pray. Then He will hear our prayers, forgive us, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV).

We are in a spiritual battle for the souls of mankind; therefore, it is imperative that we expand our prayers normally said for just family and friends to include the lost. The violence and conflict occurring in America and throughout the world result from a sin condition that hardens human hearts to the point of rejecting God’s love, will, and purposes. Too many people are going their own way and exchanging the truth of God for a lie and worshiping and serving themselves and the things of this world, rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). When that changes, we will begin to see the peace and unity that we long to have.

We can no longer ignore the escalating storm of divisiveness and simply hope that it will eventually blow past us. This evil storm is coming faster and with greater intensity. Therefore, petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving must be made for all people and all those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness (I Timothy 2:1-2). Now is the time for proactive prayer, because effectual fervent prayers yield much (James 5:16).

Our future and future generations, rest in the hands of those who are willing to pray for this Nation, her leaders, and for hearts to be turned to God. Therefore, let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19). Let us, as a unified front, rise up and pray!

PRAYER:
Father, You have called us to pray for one another, for our country, and for those in authority over us, so that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives. Therefore, I pray that those who are blinded by lies and distortions will have their spiritual eyes opened to clearly see and embrace Your truths, Your will, Your purposes, and Your love. I declare unity in thought and purpose among our citizenry and those serving in our government. According to Your Word, I ask that You guide and direct the steps of President Trump, Vice-President Pence, all who serve at the pleasure of the President, and members of Congress, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Give these men and woman wisdom and discernment so they can make godly decisions for our Nation. I pray that this land of America, founded on Your precepts, will once again find its way back to You and truly become unified as “one Nation under God.” In Jesus name, amen.