“Through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God” – Acts 14:22

I believe the answer is yes; these tumultuous times are God’s yes to our prayers for two reasons. 

1st – With 2000+ years of Christian history as our guide, massive interest in the things of God consistently follows on the heels of calamity. God’s grace is just as sufficient on the heights as it is in the depths. However, the depths tend to be more fertile soil for the roots of Gospel awakening to run deep. Stop for a moment, and revisit your own walk of faith. Was the closeness of Christ greater or lesser when walking through the valleys? I’m witnessing more Gospel interest now than ever, not in spite of the seemingly endless maze of chaos we find ourselves in, but because of it. 

2nd – God the Father so structured His universe that human petitions and human participation play a part in how things operate. A simpler version of what theologians deem “God’s economy.” Isn’t it neat when the people of God’s own possession pray, we’re assured something happens, something moves, something stirs on a far grander stage? 2nd Chronicles 7:14 promises as much “if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

I’ve personally heard more Christ-followers pray that verse on behalf of the United States of American than any other verse. The question becomes if our constant “heal this land” petitions have ascended to God’s throne for decades, wouldn’t it only make sense that current events likely descended from His throne as a result? 

If tears mark revivals above every other emotion, as I believe they do, no wonder the Puritans earnestly prayed “for the gift of tears.” How silly to assume Christians would be spared the weeping that leads a nation unto repentance. The Apostle Paul instructed, “through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God.” – Acts 14:22

Decades before being sworn in as the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln asserted, “I will prepare myself. And perhaps my time will come.” Once his window of opportunity opened up, Lincoln took advantage of it by boldly walking through it. As disciples of the Living Jesus, our time has finally arrived, our countrymen are more receptive to hearing a good word from God’s word than any time in memory. I’ve pleasantly shocked how receptive complete strangers have been to me sharing the sweetness of my Savior Jesus with them, believers and unbelievers alike. Henry Ford warned, “You Can’t Build a Reputation On What You’re Going to Do.” To which I would add, enough already with endless preparations to advance the Kingdom of Heaven on earth minus action. We’ve begged God to open up a window for the Gospel to run through this nation, and I’m telling you that window is open. Please join me in walking through it.