WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR NATION IS IN TROUBLE?

SCRIPTURE:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and 
thanksgiving be made for all people— 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 people to be 
saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
 
MEDITATION:
When we observe the godless condition of our nation, 
we can readily recognize the need for change. 
But God’s solution for our predicament is surprising. 
Paul instructs Timothy to establish some priorities in the church, 
and at the top of the list is prayer 
"for kings and all who are in authority" (verse 2). 
The reason for our petitions, 
is so that we can live tranquil and godly lives, and have 
unhindered opportunities to tell others about our Savior (verses 2-4).
 
Paul would never have given this command to Timothy, 
if he didn’t believe that the church’s prayers 
would make a difference in achieving God’s purposes for their nation. 
Our problem is not with the Lord’s promise or power, 
but with our lack of faith. 
When we focus on the enormity of the problems, 
or the power of those in office, we lose sight of our sovereign God 
who waits for us to ask for His intervention.
 
Political policies and legislation are not ultimately determined 
in conference rooms and governmental chambers, but in prayer closets. 
The voices that shape the direction of a nation 
are not necessarily those that echo through the legislative halls, 
but by those who approach the throne room of God with bold faith.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, 
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our 
time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) 
The Lord will respond as the church believes and prays.
 
ACTION:
Knowing that God can change a country, 
you may be wondering why He has waited so long.
Maybe He is asking you a similar question: 
"Why have you waited so long to pray?" 
Every authority on earth can be touched by the power of prayer, 
if we are willing to ask and believe God will respond to our prayers.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I am thankful that no matter which group believes they 
have the power to shape a nation, You are still ultimately in charge. Quite 
often man thinks he has all the answers, but I know that You have the real 
answers to the problems of our nation. Help me to trust You more and to pray 
more often for our country and in particular those who are in positions of 
authority. God, You observe the conditions of our nation, and You know the 
remedy that will solve our problems and make us a Godly nation again. I pray 
that all those who are in decision making positions will draw near to You 
and give You control of their thought processes.”