America is not perfect, and it was never holy. There are evil threads woven into our story—slavery, the genocide of Indian tribes, racism, greed.
But what other nation do the people of the world flock to enter?
What other nation is a melting pot like this land of opportunity? What nation can offer such freedom, opportunity, and hope?America is special. Who else could have defeated the Nazis, the Japanese, and the Soviets? Americans are generous givers to good causes, not only personally, but through billions of dollars in taxes that the government gives to support causes both foreign and domestic.
Doesn’t this Bible passage sound like small-town USA?
“Old men and women will sit along the streets … each with a staff in hand because of advanced age. The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in them” Zechariah 8:4-5,12.
Many agree this is a special place. The question is why? Why would God bless America?
America, WHY did God shed His grace on thee?
I do not know the answer. When I consider the evils, not only in our history, but the terrible crimes happening in this land right now, I am stumped. This land of fraud and trafficking and pedophiles and broken homes and addictions of every kind—we do not deserve God’s blessings.
But God is merciful.
The Bible reports God blessing entire nations when only a small remnant of the people were living lives that pleased Him. God may be blessing our nation because of the few who are serving Him and bearing fruit for His kingdom.
“‘These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another. Make true and sound decisions. Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, for I hate these things,’ says the Lord” Zechariah 8:16-17.
God blesses people who honor Him, who speak truth and obey laws. God blesses our nation because of the good people who have gone before us and who live among us now. He blesses us because of His grace, in spite of our national sins. But we must honor Him and live with integrity.
God, help us live lives that honor You and please You!
ΑΩ
*The above parade picture is from July 4th in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Household Words: 