“You are the light of the world—like a city on a
hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
So, here we are…Americans divided along ideological and political lines. We are divided on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, over how to deal with a crumbling economy, the mortgage crisis, health care, and much more. These divisions are unhealthy and give the lie to our being “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Yet God’s Word cuts through all of it. The question is: Are we willing to trust and obey Him? Or will we continue to follow our own way, which will only lead to more rancor and division?
I believe it is time for us to send out an SOS, a distress signal, to God Himself that we are in need of an emergency response. We are in desperate need of urgent care: resuscitation of the American heart, American mind, American soul. If we are not careful to overcome this dysfunction by following God’s prescription for redemption, I suspect that we will descend into bitterness, frustration, and chaos. We have no time to lose. As President Barack Obama said so often during his campaign, “This is our moment; this is our time.”
It is time that we believe and stand on God’s Word to battle the forces of evil that seek to divide and conquer us. It is time that we forge ahead with a new commitment to moral clarity that will enable us to grasp the real essence of “love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” It is time to realize that our politicians alone will not save us. We are in need of a Savior.
Let me be clear. I still believe the United States is a beacon of hope to the world. We are still a light that shines where the rest of the world is dim. But I pray that we will be empowered to shine that light even brighter, not allowing it to be dimmed because of our political infighting, nor allowing it to be extinguished because of our partisanship and prejudice.
I seek to awaken all of us to some of the ways I believe we can gain unity in our purpose. I am one who believes that whatever label you may wear — black, white, yellow, red, or brown — if you believe in Jesus, you belong with me. And, in Jesus, even in the midst of despair, hope always prevails.
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Consider this, pray about it, adopt it into your life, and watch this nation flourish even in the worst of times. Embrace God and engage the world. Hold on to your American dream, but let that dream be rooted in God’s Word.
Let us hold on to our American heritage, but let us cast off our petty pride and prejudices. Let us hold on to our common cause to be a nation that reaches across boundaries and borders to help people in need everywhere. Let us together enter a Promised Land of faith, hope, and love. Let us govern ourselves with God’s Word reigning supreme within our laws.
We have much work to do. Let us never lose sight of the clear and ever-present danger of idleness and fear, which will only divide us. Let us keep our eyes on God, knowing that He will help us overcome despair, for freedom is our cause and Heaven is our destiny. We are one nation, and we must strive to remain under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We are trusting Him that there will be no diminishing of our destiny.
May God bless America. May God bless the world. Save us all. This is our prayer. This, my friends, is America’s Hope.
Kelly Wright is an anchor and reporter for FOX News. Adapted from his book America’s Hope in Troubled Times (McDougal Publishing). Used with permission.
