Focus on America

The Church holds the key

I am often asked, "What is God doing in America? We know great things are happening overseas but what about North America?" There are pockets of revival and some extraordinary happenings but we are not seeing a general spiritual awakening. In fact, all indicators point to a continued spiritual decline in this country. The tragedies of September 11 shook this nation and caused us to re-examine our spiritual priorities; however, a great deal of that national introspection has begun to fade.

One of the mistakes the church has made is that we have looked to the wrong source for revival. I thank God for every Christian who is serving in public office, but they do not hold the key to revival — not even a Christian president. I am totally opposed to abortion, but if every abortion provider closed today it would not bring a spiritual awakening. I would like to see the Ten Commandments displayed in all public places and for the Bible to be an acceptable book in every public school, but neither would this bring revival to America.

The spiritual health of this nation is the responsibility of the church and the church alone. No laws, courts, politicians or anything else can stop God from answering the prayers of a desperate church: "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 will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV). Unfortunately, the church does its best in bad times and does its worst in good times. You can see this pattern as it relates to God’s people throughout the Old Testament. It has been repeated throughout history since the Day of Pentecost. God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, and it will happen. Even in North America. What it will take, I do not know. We do know that peace and prosperity have not brought it to pass.

— Charles Hackett