CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 956

“Contend O Lord”

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! (Psalm 35:1)

We were vandalized again. This marks the third time vandals and thieves have struck our home. This time nothing was stolen but they destroyed the solar powered post lights at my driveway entrance. Our neighbors who have also been investing in property improvements have also been vandalized.

In my flesh I have the desire to seek out the perpetrators and mete out a Dirty Harry, Rambo, and Terminator kind of justice. In my spirit, however, I know that vengeance belongs to the Lord – so I pray. I pray that the Lord will contend with those who contend with us. I pray for their salvation. I pray that if their heart will not change and their knee will not bend that the Lord will bring consequences to bear upon them. I pray that the Lord will purge the evil from our presence.

It dawned on me as I prayed for protection for my family, property, and neighborhood that I should also be praying these same prayers for my city, state, and country. I found myself repenting in that I have prayed in greater earnest for protection of carnal property than I have prayed for protection of the unborn children being legally murdered in our country. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness!

I have come to believe that the same evil influence that drives people to vandalize property and neighborhoods is driving our political leaders and lawmakers into vandalizing America. Yes, America is being vandalized. The Truth of God’s Word, upon which our country was founded, is now deemed offensive to minority factions and our governmental leaders have cowered before political pressure, motivated not by the will of the majority but rather by their desire to remain in political office.

Our initial reaction is to retaliate, to defend ourselves and to take the offense. However, God’s Word to us is clear: ‘Do not take revenge’. David knew that the battle was not his to fight: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15) It is not for us to destroy abortion clinics or physically harm those who work there. It is not for us to seek to inflict harm against those in political office nor are we to seek vengeance against the minority factions who attack those who believe the Word of God to be Truth and seek to bring economic harm to them and remove their rights to their faith.

Now is not the time for the church to go underground and cower. Now is the time for the church to rally under Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is our Banner and to lift His banner high. Now is the time to pray the confident prayers of those who have already won the battle and overcome the enemy. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

When persecuted, pray. When taken to court, pray. When accused of hate speech, pray. Do not fear, do not cower, stand firm and trust in the Lord and in the power of His Holy Spirit. Put on the full armor of God and you are equipped with what you need at the time you need it. Pray that the Lord will purge the evil from our government and put His people who have a heart for Him in office. Pray for the discernment to vote in the coming elections in accordance with God’s will.

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