What Can We Do?

Q

You’ve made it clear you don’t think 2 Chronicles 7:14 was meant for the United States. Are we just supposed to sit by and watch our country go down the tubes? Isn’t there anything we can do?

A

You’re correct in saying I don’t think claiming the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is appropriate for the US or any nation other than Israel. But neither should we just sit by as you put it. Personally, I don’t think the population of the True Church is any where near as big as opinion polls show. And the Lord said that as the end of the age approaches we would have but a little strength (Rev.3:8). But He also said that His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

So instead of trying to claim a conditional promise made to another people for a different time, I would suggest doing something Paul urged the Church to do in our time, and it’s God’s will for the Church to do this.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

The prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective (James 5:16), and because of our faith we are righteous (Romans 3:21-22). So yes we need to pray, but not for our country. Only Israel has been promised a national salvation (Jeremiah 30:10-11).

No matter what nationality we are, we need to pray that the Holy Spirit would convict the unbelievers around us, including our leaders, so that one by one they can be saved and escape the judgment that is surely coming upon the entire world. This will help us live peaceful and quiet lives in these troubling times, and the example we set by doing so, combined with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, could result in the salvation of untold numbers of people. This would please God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved.