“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.” – 2 Chronicles 17:3-4
God repeatedly emphasizes throughout the Bible that He is gracious, merciful, AND slow to anger. Because this is true, He often gives people and nations many opportunities to turn things around. Years of spiritual decline can be reversed with a change of heart or a change of leadership. King Jehoshaphat’s father has started well and ended badly. However, God didn’t hold that against Jehoshaphat. He earnestly sought the Lord and the Lord blessed his rule.
God is a God of second chances (and third, and fourth…). He is a God eager for repentance and renewal. The future is never doomed to repeat and continue the downward movement of the past. Rising generations are never doomed to repeat the sins of those who came before them. As our nation prepares to celebrate a milestone birthday, remember these truths. It’s a difficult time, but don’t give up!
Pray for our nation. Pray for godly leadership across party lines. Pray for spiritual revival and awakening. Pray for a turning away from the sins that are so prevalent and a turning toward the Lord Jesus. Pray for unity in Christ rather than the deep division that defines the present season. Pray, because God is the same as He has always been. #FollowJesus