“The Fruits of Persecution… and America”

America is under persecution. America is being afflicted. America is under attack. Romans 1:18-32 is on display as, literally, daily there’s greater disregard for God, increased ungodly protests and crimes, people inventing new ways of sinning, and, worse yet, godless people are receiving hearty approval and encouragement from those who know better. (Yikes!)

However, even with all this persecution, be reminded that persecution provides opportunities to produce. Remember: the greater the persecution, the greater the produce. Romans 8:18 points out that the greater the suffering, the greater the glory. Also, the Bible tells us that we shouldn’t be surprised when trials and tribulations come, but that we are to let endurance have its perfect result, so that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5)

Persecutions, whether on a personal or national scale, are opportunities to discover what we’re made of, and reveal what’s in us. Our responses to persecutions and trials (personal or national) are indicators of our character. For example, look how far your faith has brought you… the things you’ve suffered, yet endured. Also, survey what America has come through since 1776. Our historical record is proof that we’ve been tested and that our faith is genuine (2Cor 13:5). Also, be encouraged since our track records are indicators of our character, they offer glimpses into our future, and how we will prevail through even the worst of trials to come.

No person, or no country, should enjoy pain and suffering or, for that matter, go looking for pain and suffering. (Just be a standout Christian today and I assure you suffering and persecution will come.) However, we should find comfort in knowing that there’s gain in the suffering — the Produce. What did Jesus’ sufferings produce, and what do his scars prove? What’s boldly and explicitly produced through fiery trials are the things of true, godly, and eternal value — Character, Faith, Confidence, Hope, Energy, Bonds, Wisdom, Humility, Contentment, Most Valuable Lessons, Biggest Memories. Hmmm??? Why is it that the most challenging, difficult times — often painful or deadly — are the times that we tend to learn our greatest lessons from and remember clearly?

So, whether you believe it or not, know it or not, like it or not, America and her founders — even with all their personal frailties — took the biggest swing ever in history at establishing a Christ-fearing, Christ-honoring nation. God inspired those men to pen the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, which laid the groundwork for mankind to freely and eagerly delight themselves in the Lord and to pursue the dreams He placed in each of their hearts. Did God ever promise that your life would be easy?Of course not. It’s your perseverance and overcoming that gives your journey value. (Again, don’t go looking for difficulties. Just live a little. I promise you, the difficulties will come.)

America will survive this season just as she has the last 241 years. America has a divine mission and her timeless ideals were birthed by the hand of God, so she will not fail because God is the Author and Finisher of her faith! It brings me great comfort to know that God promises to finish the work He started and America will pass these tests. God used fallible men then to stand up this most blessed nation, and He’ll continue to use fallible men today to keep working towards good and godliness.

Finally, Christian or not, if your beliefs, ideology, and philosophy does not include the Word of God, then you represent godlessness and you are part of the problem and your off-target energies and efforts will be sifted and revealed for what they truly are — cancerous. Repent now!

Please take a few moments to audibly pray this over America: (Also, pass this prayer on and encourage others to pray for America.)

I declare that America knows that (Ps 33:12) “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” (Pro 14:34) America proclaims that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (2Ch 7:14) America also knows that if God’s people, who are called by His Name, would humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, that God will listen from heaven and He will forgive their sins and restore their land.

I declare the boldness of the Lord on America, so she warns people to (Mt 3:8) prove by the way they live that they have repented of their sins and turned to God. (1Jn 1:9) America reminds people that if they confess their sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive their sins, and to cleanse them from all wickedness.

I declare that since (Rom 5:1) America has been made right in God’s sight by faith, America has peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for her. (vs.2) Because of America’s faith, Christ has brought her into this place of undeserved privilege where she now stands, and America confidently and joyfully looks forward to sharing God’s glory. (vs.3) America rejoices, too, when she run into problems and trials, for America knows that they help her develop endurance. (vs.4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens America’s confident hope of salvation. (vs.5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For America knows how dearly God loves her, because He has given America the Holy Spirit to fill her heart with His love.

I declare that (Rom 8:18) America considers that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in her. America knows (2Cor 12:9) God’s grace is sufficient for her, for God’s power is made perfect in America’s weakness. Therefore, America will boast all the more gladly of her weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon her. (vs.10) For the sake of Christ, then, America is content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when America is weak, then she is strong.

I declare that (2Cor 13:5) America examines herself to see if her faith is genuine. America tests herself. Surely America knows that Jesus Christ is among her; if not, America will have failed the test of genuine faith. (Jas 1:2) So, America considers it pure joy whenever she faces trials of many kinds, (vs.3) because America knows that the testing of her faith produces perseverance. (vs.4) America lets perseverance finish its work so that she may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I declare that (Heb 12:2) America will always looks to Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of her faith! In Jesus’ name, amen!

In closing, we need your help. Being full-time missionaries in Japan is physically and spiritually demanding, and financially expensive. We’re genuinely about The Father’s Business, but we simply cannot fulfill these ministries without financial support. Please consider partnering with us through financial gifts and offerings. Donations can be made online at CinA.