and will heal their land
“If my people, who are called by my name, will 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)
How badly do we want God to heal our land? God always brings His people to a point of desperation for Him, because He is after our hearts. We can either choose to be desperate for God to come, or He will get our attention in other ways. Few people would disagree that Russia (or the U.S.A.) is at a place of devastation. The statistics are grim, and some problems seem insurmountable. But God can and wants to heal this great land. How will He accomplish this? Through the prayers and actions of His people – that’s you and me. Biblical cities often had physical gates which were manned by watchmen and gatekeepers – watchmen announced when the enemy was coming, and gatekeepers decided who and what could come into the city. Although cities today no longer have physical gates for the most part, each one does have spiritual gates, which are opened by the sin & selfishness of those who live there. We can be spiritual gatekeepers, by binding the work of the enemy and praying down God’s Kingdom, welcoming the rule and reign of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the only hope for our city, our nation, and the nations of the world. But God has given us a part to play in His sovereign plan. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). We are to pray for His Kingdom to come (Luke 11:2). Even when we know we are to do this, it can seem overwhelming. Resist the temptation to pray only for immediate needs and problems, as you will quickly get worn out. Pray Kingdom prayers (see how Jesus and Paul prayed). Pray that God’s destiny and purpose for our city and nation will be revealed and lived out. Pray for the arrival of God’s presence. His presence pushes back the powers of darkness! And pray for love. The degree to which we will be effective in reaching our city and nation will be determined largely by how much love we have for them. We cannot persevere in our own strength. We need God’s supernatural love and empowering to be able to live righteously, pray and keep on praying until our city and nation belong to Jesus. We need God’s heart, to be compelled by the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Prayer: Father, I invite You to come to our city and nation, and I welcome Your presence. Let Your light shine brightly through my life, and help me to pray Kingdom prayers, big prayers, faith-filled prayers, so that Your destiny and purposes for our city and nation would be fulfilled. Fill me with Your heart of love, so that everything I say, think, and do would flow from the love of Christ within me. Kingdom of God, come! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
