Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
If your child needed a tutor to help with their education or a medical procedure to protect their health, would you say no?
If your neighbor’s house were on fire, would you sit back and let it burn because you wanted to respect their privacy?
If you knew someone was swindling your elderly neighbor, would you look the other way because you believed it wasn’t your business?
If you could do something to help secure a better future for your children, grandchildren, and generations to come, would you do it?
In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah was warned through the prophet Isaiah that his actions had opened the door to future destruction for his nation and descendants:
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” (2 Kings 20:16–18 NIV)
Hezekiah acknowledged that the word of the LORD was good, yet his response revealed a troubling willingness to accept the consequences and “kick the can down the road,” as long as he could enjoy peace and security during his own lifetime:
“The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” (2 Kings 20:19 NIV)
Hezekiah’s response raises a sobering question: Are we willing to accept a troubling future for the next generation simply because we are comfortable in the present? The consequences of decisions made today may not fully appear until tomorrow, but that does not make those decisions any less important.
I believe our nation has been, and continues to be, in an identity crisis of sorts—a crossroads in history where the choices we make will help shape the future. Will we move toward socialism, communism, fewer freedoms, and greater oppression, or will we pursue a future marked by freedom and hope? At its deepest level, I believe the ideological struggle facing our nation is also a spiritual battle. Will we allow ourselves to become ensnared by spiritual forces of wickedness and oppression, or will we stand for the freedom, truth, and hope that we desire to pass on to future generations?
Dutch Sheets writes this:
“Anyone who thinks they can sit out this ideological war, that the insanity will just “go away,” is sadly and grossly mistaken. The coup attempt is real, and much ground has already been taken. Neutrality is no longer an option. Lack of involvement is abdication. Not choosing IS choosing. And not voting is in reality a vote for more of the above-mentioned insanity. Refusing to vote for truth and biblical values is now a vote for national suicide.
“I am well aware, and very grateful, that those of you who read or watch these posts and follow this ministry are cognizant of all this. But we must continue to pray that Americans – believers and unbelievers – take action now. We must not become like King Hezekiah. This selfish king in Israel actually said it was fine if judgement came to Israel at a later time – to his kids and grandkids – as long as it didn’t occur during his tenure. “Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, ‘The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good.’ For he thought, ‘Is it not good, if there will be peace and security in my lifetime?’” (2 Kings 20:19; AMP) What a disgrace!
“Let’s stay engaged, continuing to pray and take action. We have begun the process of recovery and turnaround in America; let’s finish it!!!! And like it or not, this includes more than going to church. It involves going to the polls.
“Vote!
“Pray with me:
“Father, we refuse to be like King Hezekiah, who cared only for himself and his own legacy. We care more about Your purposes and the future of our children than we do our comfort, ease, and gas prices. We care deeply about this nation You raised up as a voice for the gospel and for truth; we refuse to see it destroyed on our watch.
“Therefore, we will continue to pray and we will vote. We will speak up against evil and let our voices be heard – boldly and loudly. Thank You for the prayer army You have raised up, and also for those who are taking action. We ask now for Your weighty convicting power to descend on believers across our nation who are not planning to vote in the coming elections. Awaken them to truth, stir them to action. Give us Your influence in this election.
“Please continue to heal and restore our nation. Increase the wind on the fires of revival, fan the flames. Remove veils of darkness and shine Your light. Continue to move in our government, bringing more and more individuals into Your Kingdom.
“Protect our leaders from those who would love to harm them. And give President Trump wisdom as he deals with Iran and their proxies. May every decision he makes align with Yours. We stand in faith for Your promised victory in that region. Ruler of the nations, let Your kingdom come!
“All of this we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.”