“Then I will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
“What God asks is never complicated and rarely difficult, but always required.”
My thoughts today are about “your part and God’s.”
Is there ever a time that a nation, or individual, does not need God’s grace? From the Bible’s record, there is never a time that God is disinterested in doing so. God was willing to spare even the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, if just ten righteous people could be found. The whole story of Jonah turns on the desire of God to send the prophet to the wicked city of Nineveh to warn and turn their hearts to God. Repeatedly, God sent prophets to Judah and Israel to call them back in repentance, if only they would do so. God’s heart for nations, and people, never changed – nor have His requirements.
But first, there are things that God asks His people to do. His promise, as always, is prefaced by a spiritual initiative that you must take. It is said the conditions that preceded the fall of every great civilization are evidenced today. If you wish your life to be as God wants it to be, to see others’ lives restored, churches revived, and our nation truly be “One nation under God,” you must follow the Bible’s counsel.
What God asks is never complicated, and rarely difficult, except that obedience always costs you something and is usually at cross grain from what comes naturally to you. Today’s verse present four principles of God’s expectations:
(1) Turn from self-interest to God’s interests. “If My people, who are called by My name . .“ To whose interests and priorities are you committed, God’s or yours? Matthew 6:33.
(2) Turn from self-reliance to dependence on God. “. . will humble themselves and pray . .“ You pray most effectively when you humbly and honestly recognize your need of God.
(3) Turn from self-determination to God’s direction. ”. . and seek My face . .” You cannot choose your own way and have grace; follow His ways always. Psalm 27:8/Psalm 37:5.
(4) Turn from self-righteousness to self-examination. “. . and turn from their wicked ways . .” Until you want to walk righteously, God cannot work in your life. 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Here is God’s promised result for you, and for our communities and nation, “Then I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. I am ready for all God has to give and to see all that God will do. If you are reading this, you probably are also. God is looking for a person who wants Him to do what He has been waiting to do; a person who is willing to do whatever God is asking.
My prayer for you today is that you will be that person for whom God looks.