(2 Kings 4:1-7)

The story in 2 Kings 4 revolves around a destitute widow with two sons. She was not unlike homeless women on the streets today who have no place to turn. She was penniless because her husband died leaving her no means of support, and there was famine in the land further exacerbating the circumstances. Her situation was made even more desperate by the practice in those days of taking children as payment for debt. She epitomized a person with a huge problem, wrapped in an extra layer of dilemma. However, her story teaches us that God is the Source of miracles. We are merely His currency; He uses our resourcefulness. As Romans 11:36 reminds us, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Everything needed for us to successfully reach our goals and see our dreams realized (as it relates to our families, churches, and communities) is presented in the Word of God. Great works do not just happened; there is always a catalyst. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: . . . .” Conversely, I am convinced that where there are no people the vision perishes. This woman learned what we each should remember: the miracle we look for just might be in our own house.

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Psalm 80:1-19

When the Pilgrims came to America in 1620, they were seeking religious liberty and freedom. They huddled beneath the decks of the Mayflower and wrote the Mayflower Compact, which begins with these words, “In the name of God, Amen.” Elsewhere in the compact, they wrote that their voyage to these shores was “for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.”

Our forefathers never believed in a separation of God and government. More than national security, an improved health care system, revived patriotism, media honesty, lower fuel and food prices, growing churches, a balanced budget, or a better image abroad, America needs a Spirit-led revival. Psalm 80:1-3, and 7 says, “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. ² Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us. ³ Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” We need to pray like the Psalmist that God’s face would “shine forth,” that His strength would be stirred, and that He would turn us again.

I believe that America is a God-planted, God-blessed, God-ordained nation. God planted the American dream in the hearts and minds of our founding fathers. So, when critics tell believers to go back under a rock, we need to shout it: “we stand on the Rock of Ages.” Some typically attack that position and say, “Sounds like you’re trying to mix religion and politics.” Remember this: the church is not the master of the state, nor is the church the servant of the state. The church is the conscience of the state. Knowing the God of our forefathers, remembering the criteria for His favor, and knowing our purpose as His church will not only invigorate the church but also stir hope for the spiritual health of America.

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