A Reason for Optimism in 2010

Ever since the 2008 national election, it seems that we have been treated to an endless stream of “bad news” stories capable of dampening the spirits of the most dyed-in-the-wool optimists among us. Politicians bent on remaking the nature of the USA into something utterly unrecognizable by her founding fathers seem to be winning the day.

Christians have fasted, prayed, joined fellow patriots in tea parties and other forms of protests, jammed congressional phone lines in an effort to communicate heart-felt concerns, sent endless emails, faxes, and “pink slips” to their members of Congress. But, to date, it seems these efforts have not checked our descent toward oblivion. It appears as though we have engaged a supernatural force for evil that has been impervious to all efforts at mitigating its destructive designs. Certain government leaders seem to have taken a page from Muslim terrorists in assuming almost a suicidal effort to pass their agenda, election results come what may.

It is my opinion that our nation’s very existence is threatened in a manner not seen before, with the possible exception of the War Between the States in the mid-19th century. In the midst of this crisis for the soul and future of America, is there any hope?

Recently I have been reading a biography of Nathaniel Green, George Washington’s top general during the War for Independence. One of the repeated themes permeating the book is the extremely tenuous thread that supported the revolutionary fervor of the Founders. On numerous occasions, our fledgling forces were on the verge of being wiped out by the superior British. But our understanding of history is so weak that we have forgotten the nature of that war.

On February 6, 1783 Washington wrote the following to Green:
“If Historiographers should be hardy enough to fill the page of History with the advantages that have been gained with unequal numbers [on the part of America] in the course of this contest, and attempt to relate the distressing circumstances under which they have been obtained, it is more than probable that Posterity will bestow on their labors the epithet and marks of fiction; for it will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has employed for eight years in this Country could be baffled in their plan of Subjugating it by numbers infinitely less, composed of Men oftentimes half starved; always in Rags, without pay, and experiencing, at times, every species of distress which human nature is capable of undergoing” (Sacred Fire, 174).

In other words, Washington is suggesting that future generations would not believe that such weak and bedraggled American forces were capable of defeating the British, the world’s superpower. They would consider the truth to be fiction. Time and again the Americans “miraculously” survived and won. Washington did not hesitate to credit Providence as the unseen force behind their victories.

The remnant of believers in America today are, humanly speaking, out-manned, out-gunned, out-spent, and out-organized by the powerful forces bent on changing our country. But such factors are no match for the Spirit and power of God.

2500 years ago, the Lord encouraged another overwhelmed people with these words, “Not by might nor by power, but my My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). The allied political and media conglomerate that is seeking to foist its agenda upon the American populace is no match for the people of God when they trust in His power, even as they necessarily continue the fight on human terms.

May God encourage your soul and strengthen your hands for battle. In the end, Righteousness and Truth will prevail. Let us not fear the onslaughts of the wicked; let us persevere, knowing that the battle is ultimately the Lord’s.

The secret to eventual victory for the people of God is humble repentance and genuine faith—not enhanced fundraising, community organizing, and slick political machines. The truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is timeless. The restoration process may yet involve some very dark days for America. Economic and social upheaval, on an unprecedented scale, may be the consequences to be paid for our profligate sins of the past. But, ultimately, blessed is this, and any nation, whose God is the Lord (Ps. 33:12).

Compromised media, corrupt politicians, chicken-hearted leaders, and careless Christians notwithstanding, God’s eye—and His blessing—rest upon those who truly fear Him (Ps. 33:18). God told Abraham He would spare Sodom if just ten righteous men could be found. Let us determine to be that faithful remnant for whom the Lord will spare and restore this nation.