How Repentance Changes Nations
Several years ago, one of our sons was “making his testimony” in high school.
I remember sitting in the car and saying to myself, “If he would just listen to us, he wouldn’t be having these issues. It would save him a lot of trouble.”
Quietly the Lord said to me, “Yes, I feel the same way about My kids.”
As soon as He said that, my eyes began to burn. I started weeping in the car because I knew He was talking about me. I was upset about my son because he wasn’t listening to me—but I suddenly recognized I wasn’t listening either. I was doing the same thing with God.
It wasn’t a question of whether or not my thoughts toward my son were correct. If he listened to us, things would be easier for him. That was true.
But until the Lord spoke to my heart, I didn’t realize the deeper truth, that I needed to repent as well.
We need to learn to look at ourselves first. Are we listening to the Father? Are we doing the right thing and paying attention to His quiet leading, which will save us a lot of grief and trouble in the future?
After we address our own sins, then we can repent for everything else going on in the land. We need to be clean before the Lord if we want to repent on behalf of the nation.
Do we see ourselves as separate and held apart from the brokenness around us? Or can we pray the way Isaiah did? “Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips. Lord, we’re a mess! We need You.”
That’s what true intercession often looks like. Daniel did the same thing—he interceded on behalf of the people because he identified with his nation’s sin. He recognized what was really going on and, in response, sought God with a repentant heart. “Remember us in mercy. As Your people, cause us to humble ourselves under Your hand.”
That’s a big part of what’s going on in the country right now. Recognizing the lack of righteousness in someone else isn’t enough. Anybody can see the speck in someone else’s eye. Instead of saying, “Look at how bad this country is! Look how sinful!” we need to recognize our own sin and run to the Lord in humility. On an individual basis, we need to have sensitive hearts that respond to the Lord in repentance.
“God, I’m so sorry for the way I’ve been thinking and responding to the people around me. You are my choice! You’re the One I want, and I willingly give up this old way and accept Your way instead. Help me to walk in the freedom Jesus paid for.”
That kind of mindset can change nations and topple the enemy’s plans.
Check out these other articles from Bill and Sue Frisbie:
Are you super weary right now? Click here to read about 5 ways you can protect your heart as a prophetic person.
Is the enemy trying to get you to feel afraid? Click here.
How can you increase your ability to hear God’s quiet voice? Click here.