Not Beyond Hope

An article posted this week on Reuters predicts that America is easing out of its recession towards a “possible economic recovery.” Most of us, though, still know many people who have been out of work since last year, so the impact of this most recent economic crisis is still fresh in our minds as we wait, holding our breath and hoping for a better tomorrow.

My concern is that I hear very few people attempting to see the real cause of America’s economic failure. Some blame the housing market, overextended creditors, or giving loans to high credit risks while others say that recessions are merely cyclical. However, I have yet to hear many proclaiming God’s judgment of America’s sin as the chief cause. God says, “At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it” (Jeremiah 18:7-10). Now, re-read the preceding verses, replacing the words “a nation” with “America”—brings it much closer to home, doesn’t it?

God both blesses and destroys nations. But, while these verses seem to speak of destruction for a country like ours that embraces sin, I am still encouraged. Note how God says “I will relent” if the nation “turns from its evil.” That means we still have a chance to repent, change our ways, and reclaim America for God.

Too many Christians act like our country is beyond hope, that it is too late. No! We simply cannot have that attitude. David didn’t. When God told him that his and Bathsheba’s son would die, “David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them” (2 Samuel 12:16-17). God, however, did not relent, but after the child dies , “David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the LORD and worshiped.” (v.20). When his servants did not understand why he wept before and not after the child died, David simply responded, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live'” (v.22).

This is how we should act! Even after God pronounced the judgment, David didn’t have the attitude that it was too late to do anything. He repented; he fasted; he mourned his sin before the Lord until the judgment was fulfilled.

Later, God sent the prophet Jonah with the message that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days. Immediately, “the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them” (v. 5). The king’s words sound much like David’s: “Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish” (v.9). This time, though, God stayed His hand: “When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it” (v.10).

The die for America’s complete and utter destruction has yet to be cast. There is still time. Once God brings judgment, it is too late, but before, “Who knows” but that our prayers, fasting, and repentance may change the mind of God. Each day this week, say a special prayer for America. Pray that God will bring a great revival to our land, that many will repent and come to know Him as Savior and Lord, and that He will stay His hand of judgment against our nation.