The title above assumes that something is coming to our nation for which we need to prepare.
Whether we look at the declining influence of Christianity in America, the humanistic stronghold on higher education (an atmosphere in which I ministered for 27 years), the mainstreaming of sexual perversion, or the national debt closing in on 20 trillion dollars, it is clear that a deeply troubling shift, with significant consequences, is in full swing.
Even more concerning are the insights we receive from the prophets throughout the Bible. Which prophets? Just pick one, and it seems that often something similar to America’s departure from God is described!
Jeremiah, the prophet to the nations (Jer. 1:5), warned, “If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it” (Jer. 18:7–10).
As I have sought the Lord for years regarding our nation, two themes have surfaced: On our current trajectory America is facing a national judgment of biblical proportions, AND God intends to shake our nation so that He might receive a massive ingathering of souls!
If this is an accurate assessment of what is about to unfold nationally, then how should we prepare?
By way of introduction, we need to prepare first spiritually and then physically. Proverbs 11:4 teaches, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Clearly a heart right with God is primary; that is, spiritual preparation is the priority.
In Forerunners of America, 90–95% of our focus is on spiritual preparation, with the remainder on physical preparation. Even so, the Bible does teach that physically prepping is important—see Genesis 41:25–57; Proverbs 21:20; 22:3; 28:12. (I will address physical preparation in a future blog.)
So, how do we spiritually prep?
First, ask yourself the question, “Am I convinced that tumultuous days are coming to our nation?” If not, you won’t get far in your preparing, because you will view it as one of many options rather than a necessity. We are busy people, and without conviction we will fill our days with “more pressing” matters.
If you answered “no” to the above question, I encourage you to read the biblical prophets for insights of how God views nations, starting with the Jeremiah 18:7–10 (see above). Second, ask the Lord to show you what is going on in our nation and how He sees America.
I began inquiring of the Lord on these matters in the spring of 2008. In the following months and years, He gave me all the insights I could have hoped for and more. I would not be writing this blog and directing FOA today if I did not have a conviction on these matters from Him.
In summary, as great as it is to read books and listen to messages from godly leaders, get a conviction about what is going on in our nation from the Lord Himself.
Second, grow in the timeless truth that God will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5). Whenever there is personal or national trouble, God promises to be with His people to accomplish His purposes (Psa. 9:9–10; 23:4; 27:1–6; Prov. 1:20–33; 1 Peter 4:12–19). As we look at the current prevailing cultural winds that are opposing God’s will and we understand that a greater storm is brewing, we must root ourselves in God’s Word and His promises to us.
Third, engage in a prayer life where you are actually experiencing the Lord’s presence (James 4:8). He is the light of the world, and as He draws near, the darkness that makes you, your family, and church complacent on these issues will dissipate.
I encourage you to take unhurried time to seek the Lord in prayer, Bible reading, and recording what He lays on your heart. Even as you go about your day, keep the Lord before you, front and center (Psa. 16:8). Do not settle for yesterday’s manna, but draw near to Him and hear from Him daily.
Expect Him to answer your prayers and show you what do (1 John 5:14–15). Expect to hear that still small voice in your spirit saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isa. 30:21). This is how Christians are to navigate their lives at all times, but it will be crucial in the days ahead.
Also, make waiting on the Lord a primary aspect of seeking Him. David said, “Wait for the Lord: be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord” (Psa. 27:14, italics mine). We are to go about our day in the strength of the Lord, intentionally waiting on Him to show up and lead us in the right direction.
These three areas are crucial aspects of our spiritual preparation for what’s coming.
(to be continued . . .)
