We Must Capture this Moment

I recently had an opportunity to attend the spiritual emphasis week for a school near my home. On the last day, as the students were worshipping, the pastor of the week stepped on stage and issued a challenge to them. But it was also a challenge to me. The pastor said, “Our country desperately needs young men and women to step up and lead.” My first reaction was “game on.” Now, I did not say that in the sense that I was going to be the only one to step up. Instead, I said “game on” in the sense that I want to be a part of helping students younger than me realize they have the potential to be a part of the change this country needs.

A few days later, I watched the Charlie Kirk memorial. I watched as nearly one hundred thousand people did not engage in violence, but in prayer. I watched as tens of thousands of hands were lifted high in praise to God. What took place on September 10th was a tragic moment in our country. But I believe God has used it to awaken a change in Christians.

But are we ready to capture this moment?

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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Here we see a promise made to the nation of Israel. God had made a covenant with His people that if they obeyed Him, they would experience blessings. If they don’t, then they will experience curses. God wanted their repentance and for them to remember that He is their Provider.

Many today will use this verse as part of a rallying cry, especially in a time period like the one we are in now. Yet, the terms God gave the nation of Israel were not given to other nations. What God said and the covenant relationship with Israel are not for the United States or any other country. We also must recognize that when Israel repented, they did so as a nation. Not every person living in Israel at this time repented, but there was still a national repentance. God never promised that when Christians in a specific country repent of their sins and turn to Him, then He would heal the nation.

So how can we capture this moment?

While the promise God gave to Israel was only given to them, we can still apply the principles here. There is never a problem with confessing our sins and praying for our country. We are actually encouraged to do so. We need to pray for God to raise leaders, both young and old, to be a spiritual force for our country and world. We must look into our own lives and ask what we are doing to share the Gospel. One four-hour ceremony is not going to lead to a national repentance. But it can be the catalyst for a revival, only if we capture the moment.

Here is a moment for Christians to capture. To seize the opportunity to get out of the four walls of the church or a football stadium and go to the people. We go to the people who need the hope found in Jesus. We go to the people who have heard the Gospel, but have chosen not to follow it. Christians must capture this moment and begin to have honest conversations with others. We must share that we are not enough, but are made whole because of the glorious, saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

So, are we going to capture this moment? What are you doing right now? This is not a time to sit on the sidelines and watch as certain members of the team get in the game. This is a time for everyone to get in the game. Are you ready to play?