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June 30, 2006

America, You Exist by My Power
by Max Lucado

Every national privilege can be traced back to the hand of God.  If we have liberty, we can thank the One who came to “proclaim liberty to the captives…to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NKJV).  If we enjoy a robust economy or a high tide of justice, we don’t limit our thanks to senators or the Supreme Court; we thank God.

Tally this up.  God makes the boundaries.  He determines the leaders.  He dispenses the blessings.  And America exists by the power of God.  Can we afford to forget this—can we afford to sever this single, silver strand that supports the whole framework of our republic?

Only at terrible risk.

“If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed” (Deut. 8:19, NLT).

“America,” God says, “you exist by My power.”  That’s the first reminder.  But God doesn’t stop there.  A second reminder commands our attention.

America, you exist for My glory.

Recall what God said through the prophet, “I will demonstrate my glory among the nations” (Ezekiel 39:21, NLT).

God does not need the United States in order to advance His cause.  He lobbies no country and depends on no government.  “No, for all the nations of the world are nothing in comparison with him.  They are but a drop in the bucket, dust on the scales.  He picks up the islands as though they had no weight at all.  The nations of the world are as nothing to him.  In his eyes they are less than nothing—mere emptiness and froth” (Isaiah 40:15, 17 NLT).

Suppose—just suppose—God’s glory became America’s prayer and priority:  “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory” (Psalm 115:1).  Suppose our elected officials daily asked.  How can we honor God in our decisions?  How can this school introduce students to God?  How can this army promote the name of God?

Remember, who manages the hearts of rulers?  Who prompts the decisions of kings?  God does.  God can change a nation.

For that reason, we must pray—pray with all our hearts—that America would turn back to God. 

“Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake” (Psalm 79:9).