It is then after we have humbled
ourselves, prayerfully sought the Lord, and repented from our sins that the
Lord says He will respond to us. He says
He will hear from Heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. By humbling ourselves we have placed
ourselves in a position to where He can exalt us in due time. (1Peter 5:6) If
we have sought Him, He will be found of us. (1Chronicles 28:9) As I previously
stated, if we have confessed our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger
and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) It is
then that He can remove His chastening hand from upon us, and bring healing to
us and our nation.
So, this raises the question, will
we have a revival in our nation again? Based off what I have covered so far, I
believe it is entirely possible if we as the Church will do our part. I see
nothing in Scripture that states how big or small a revival will be, so I
believe we need to earnestly seek it and leave the results up to the Lord. If
we think about it, why wouldn’t the Lord bring a revival if the Church humbles
itself, prays and seeks the Lord, and repents from its sins? It is part of his
nature. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) This nation has experienced three significant
revivals, and I see no reason why another is not possible. However, history has
shown true revivals are often born out of severe hardship and tribulation.
Many see a conflict between this
belief and the apostasy spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2, but if we examine this
passage, I do not believe there is a true conflict. David Guzek writes, “The
idea of a great end-times apostasy also does not contradict the idea of a great
end-times revival. Some Christians doubt the idea of great revival in the last
days, or even welcome apostasy believing it signals the end. But just as the
Book of Revelation describes great rejection of Jesus during the Great
Tribulation (Revelation 9:20-21 and 17:2-6) and great acceptance of Him (
Revelation 7:9-14), the two can stand side-by-side.” When we examine 2 Thes 2,
it describes the willing departure from the Gospel and biblical truth, and the
article “the” indicates that it is the final rebellion. This is in connection
with the restraining force of the Holy Spirit working through the Church being
removed, and the man of sin being revealed. This then is clearly referring to
the time of the tribulation. However, as we have already seen, even during the
tribulation there will be a wide-spread acceptance of Jesus Christ, along with
a wide-spread rejection of Him.
Will a revival make America great
again? Well, that’s a different story. Even a major revival does not
necessarily mean America returning to greatness. In my opinion, it is not
likely for a few reasons: first, if the rapture is as close as it seems to be, there
is not a lot of time to turn this ship around, and at that point, the whole
world will go under the judgment of God. Second, according to biblical
prophecy, the U.S. is not a major player in the end times. So, although we
could see a rise from our current state, ultimately it will not last. Somehow,
we are no longer a world superpower, so something happens to bring us down from
that pedestal. Third, we have crossed the lines spiritually and morally that
other nations have crossed in history, and they either ceased to exist or were
greatly diminished. Truthfully though, we really do not know what will happen
to the United states, at least in the short-term. I love this country, and I
consider it a blessing and privilege to have been born and raised here;
however, a revival is not about the United States. It’s about souls being won
for Jesus Christ and believers becoming true disciples of Him. If America rises
to greatness again before the Lord’s return, great! But if it does not, we’re
still called to go into all nations. So, let’s be about His business until He
does return.
“Go and proclaim these words toward
the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will
not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I
will not keep anger for ever. Only
acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy
God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and
ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you:
and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to
Zion: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you
with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:12-15
“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” - Jeremiah 6:16
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