Has God given up on us?

Tribune Content Agency on May 3, 2018

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I don't see any hope for our nation. We've gotten so far away from God that He's given up on us. That's what happened in Old Testament times, wasn't it? -- S.McD.

A: Today is the annual National Day of Prayer in the United States, and if ever we needed to pray for our nation and our world, it is now. Yes, in many ways we have drifted away from God -- but it will only get worse if we neglect to pray and ask God to intervene.

You're right; from time to time God's people in the Old Testament turned their backs on God and refused to follow His ways. Instead of putting God first and caring for others, they followed false gods and lived only for themselves. Repeatedly God warned them -- and sometimes they heeded His warnings and returned to Him. But often they didn't, and eventually God had no choice but to bring judgment upon them. Could this happen to us? The Bible warns, "You may be sure that your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

But listen: God didn't abandon them! Even if they passed through the fires of judgment, afterward they experienced God's blessing when they repented and turned back to Him. Never forget: The Bible is a book of hope -- hope in God's love, hope in Jesus' return, hope in the Holy Spirit's power to change lives, hope for eternity because of Christ's death and resurrection.

Are you praying for our nation and our world, that God will turn us to Himself? And are you praying for our leaders -- even those with whom you disagree? God's command is clear: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)