For months and years, we turned on our TV to hear the news of all our division, our intolerance and our anger. The more that we heard this on our TVs and in our schools, the more we believed it to be true. We, the Christians were told to be silent; because, our faith in God offends some. The few Americans on the far fringes of the right and those on the far fringes of the left received all the news; pitting one side against the other. Then, came Hurricane Harvey! It’s fury racked the nation, as all eyes turned to Texas; where, we had a glimpse to see the truth of who we are as Americans.
We saw the courage, the faith, and the endurance of a people who in the midst of tragedy; reached out to help each other. No one cared who you voted for, the color of your skin, or the number of tattoos you wore; all that mattered was you needed a helping hand. Trucks and boats traveled across this land to give a helping hand. And a nation bowed their heads before a Sovereign, Holy God to ask for His helping hand.
LAND OF THE FREE AND THE BRAVE
Some would say “Why Texas?” Yet, to that I might say, “Why Job?” Remember, the story? Satan told God that he had come from the surveying the earth; implying that he was gaining a foothold with mankind. God responded, “Have you considered my servant Job?” If you know the story, you realize; because of his faithfulness, God knew Job would hold fast to his faith, even in the center of the storm and great hardship. Then, Job would then be an example of hope, love, endurance and all that is good to a world in need of hope.
Ah, but never forget. When God restored Job; He restored him 10-fold. We, the people of the United States of America; need to stop and pray; repenting of our own sins. Each man, woman and child need to turn our hearts over to God; allowing Him to transform us. Furthermore, as a nation, we need to stand United and stop all the petty fighting, bickering and selfish pride. At the foot of the cross, where perfect righteousness died for our sins; we need to bow and ask God to restore our nation; because, when we humbly come before His Righteous Throne, we realize we deserve nothing. All we have is because of Grace, and Grace Alone.
A Prayer for Our Land
By Effie Darlene Barba
God of heaven on your throne
Oh, hear our humble cry
And do not leave us here alone
Far from your watchful eye
Though we in selfish pride pursued
Vain Idols of our own
And yet, we know Your Gracious heart
In covenant does stand
That if we now from sin depart
That You will heal our land
Together then our hearts renewed
Rejoice, a brand, new start
So, break our hearts to what breaks yours
Open our eyes to see
The bitter words our mouth outpours
The pride that lies in me
So, dark and looming does occlude
The hope that love restores
So, Lord repentant here we stand
Seeking forgiveness now
And listening to Your command
Oh, Lord please show us how!
A Cross displayed, Your Grace we viewed
So, let us be your hand
To reach across the great divides
That separate our hearts
To rise one voice devoid of sides
Your love and grace imparts
Your hope and joy, a new prelude
On which our life abides
A LEADER TO HELP REBUILD
Through out scripture we note, God sends leaders to help the nation of Israel to rebuild. Sometimes, He sent priests, at other times prophets; however, sometimes He sent business men, as was the case in Nehemiah. A lay person, who could design a plan to rebuild. In our case, I do believe God sent such a man.
Also, remember that before Nehemiah began to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he prayed earnestly acknowledging God’s Sovereignty, His righteousness and His Mercy. Every person who professes Christ as their Savior has been endowed with a special Gift. I believe Donald Trump’s gift is that of leader; because of how he responds to disasters by doing. If you remember from my series, a leader remains focused on the final product. Because they see the final product as reality, they are often criticized for not being empathetic. Yet, those characteristics make them such a valuable leader; since they do not stop until the job is completed.
I encourage you to go back and read: How to Identify the Spiritual Gift of Leadership
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
On this National Day of Prayer for Harvey and for our nation; let us pray diligently. Let us humble ourselves before our Almighty God.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity Jeremiah 29:11
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Your hope and joy, a new prelude On which our life abides[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis]God of heaven on your throne Oh, hear our humble cry[/tweetthis]
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right? So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling. If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The inscription I added the Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash