This is not the first time in the history of the United States or the world that social unrest has risen up. One needs only to look back just a few years to see it in American history, and look vertically to see it happening in other countries simultaneously. But that doesn’t really make it any easier for us.
Think for a moment how Egyptians oppressed the Hebrews when they were enslaved in Egypt; The Egyptians took away the straw they used to make bricks and still demanded the same quota be produced each day. They beat the Hebrews and treated them ruthlessly. It was a tremendous hardship on the Hebrews. Finally, when they had enough, they began to pray. We get a glimpse into the heart of God in Exodus 3:7: 7 . Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings.” God knows and understands suffering. It is not his will, plan or idea for men to suffer at the hands of one another.
But God, but God! God knew long ago that nations made of all kinds of people would have trying times, so he made a plan for it, a provision for it, so to speak long ago.
Look at 2 Chronicles 7:14- 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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and restore their land.
So, what can and should we be doing? If you call yourself a Christian; (called by his name), then you can do something;
- Start a prayer group in your home, church or school to pray for our police and our nation. These men and women risk their lives for our safety.
- Make yourself available to God individually to use you to pray night or day. Isaiah 62-6 says, “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest.”
- Pray for our leaders; 1 Timothy 2:1- First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
- Stay strong and stay faithful to God. America has enjoyed many years of peace. As we pray, that peace can and will be restored. As we continue to pray, we will watch it dissipate, disappear and come to nothing.