Do We Get What We Want?

- Written by Bob Chapman -

Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson got themselves into hot water over their statements, after September 11^th, that the attack represented God's judgment on America for their acceptance of abortion and homosexuality. If that was what they really said, or meant, we don't know. But there is a deep-seated gnawing in each of our souls over what these awful terrorist-inspired things mean for us and our land from a Biblical and spiritual point of view.

There is a basic principle upon which God works that causes me great alarm in our day - as a nation, as a church, and as a follower of Christ. God in His dealings with us acts as a gentleman - He never forces anyone to believe or to obey Him. His Spirit woos us, convicts us, reveals Truth to us, speaks to our hearts, and may even discipline us. But the final decision is ours. He allows us to have what we really want! What we really want is revealed in what we do, and how we respond to Him. In fact, we can choose heaven or hell; God's blessing upon us or none - with everything in between. God, in His love, sets the options in line with His eternal truth, and then we are allowed to choose. We call that free will - an amazing love-gift from God.

For over two centuries God has singularly blessed and protected America. In the years since the Second World War, our country has departed from Biblical standards and from God in an unprecedented way. Our society has become Biblically illiterate. America has walked away from the God of the Bible. And now people here are questioning if a good God even exists, saying, "Where was God?" Hello!

The evangelical church maintains attendance figures and programs, but seems to have lost its influence on our society and culture. The problems of our society have invaded our churches, almost at will. And our evangelical churches have pretty much abandoned the "weapons of warfare." Yes, we pray. But when that requires any sacrifice in order that it happen, it clearly dwindles. If my people will humble themselves and pray - we know it, but so often choose not to do it. Even excuses like "Group prayer doesn't turn me on," "I don't really have the time now," "That wasn't very exciting," are allowed to stand in the way. In our heart of hearts we may even say, "Praying really doesn't seem to make any difference." And God, with a break in His voice and tears in His eyes, must be saying, "If you choose that course, then I give you that choice." And the nation and the church then deal with the consequences of turning away from God, His plan, and His blessing.

We as a nation (at least in part) seem to have chosen. Can it be that we as a church are tending to follow suit? If we feel we can live the Christian life on our own without a regular time alone with God, in His Word, and in prayer, He allows us to have our way. If we feel we can have a spiritually effective and robust church without our seeking His face together, then He lets us have what we want. But this results in such leanness of our souls and of our fellowship - we end up struggling for spiritual results that do not come. And the society around us says, "Christianity is irrelevant" and moves on without God. His main means of communication and witness to the world, the church, has been incapacitated.

The other Sunday evening was so encouraging at our church! There must have been over a hundred people who came together to pray. What a great thing! We're headed in the right direction! Paul tells us to be faithful in prayer, and Jesus taught that we should be perseverant in prayer. If we can't have "good" (according to our tastes) prayer meetings, let's not abandon God's plan. Before we have another "big" prayer meeting, all of our present meetings for prayer have room for more to participate. If these do not fit us, let's form our own. But we need to pray together. If our church is not robust, reaching out into our neighborhoods, and growing mature believers, the basic reason will be that we, as a church family, have put down our weapons.

God allows us to have what we really want, as a nation and as a church. And we live with those consequences - His blessing or lack of it. He does not force His blessings upon us, either as a nation or a church. But it is there for the asking - if we really want it.

"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 forgive their sins and heal their land."