Devotional from January 2025 Christian Union National Fast
By Qwynn gross, ministry fellow at christian union nova at Princeton
“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”- 2 Chronicles 15:7 (ESV)
The world around us is not changing apart from God’s intervention. As Americans, we are living in the degradation of society, where everyone seems to do what is right in their own eyes. Righteousness and moral corruption are indistinguishable for far too many, as culture challenges the authority of God and embraces ethical decay. Meanwhile, believers who are called to pray for the world around them often appear paralyzed. Charles Finney aptly said, "If the presence of God is in the church, the church will draw the world in. If the presence of God is not in the church, the world will draw the church out." His sentiments resonate deeply as we observe the growing distance between godly standards and the prevailing norms of society.
Amid this decline, however, there is a remnant that rises! A small but committed group of true believers who willingly stand in the gap, interceding for the presence and power of God to transform individual souls, reverse the trajectory of culture, and see cities, states, and the nation itself turn and/or return to God. By the conviction of the Holy Spirit, this remnant understands the urgency and accepts the responsibility to seek God for a national revival—a sweeping move of God that realigns personal, cultural, and territorial constructs back to His righteous design.
Thus, may we fast and pray as true intercessors, approaching the throne of grace with expectation, tenacity, and resolve. We remember God’s love for people and keep His commandments to demonstrate our love for Him. We grieve for the current state of our nation and repent on behalf of those whose hearts are hardened and who dwell in ignorance. With confidence in His covenant of peace towards the humble, we make petitions to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Then, with hearts anchored in His promise, we act on Scripture, compelling men to be saved, crying aloud and sparing not, making disciples of all nations, and living as Christ’s ambassadors. Without apology, we discern the time and serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
On our knees, we cry out to the God who saves, rescues, and delivers. We cry out for all the earth—nations, tribes, and tongues—to hear the glorious message that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15). We pray for people everywhere to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Our intercession is for the Kingdom of God to increase and for His glory to manifest, that young and old alike would taste and see His goodness, walk in the light as He is the Light, and resist the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who works in the sons of disobedience. And we believe that through fervent prayer and unwavering faith, national revival is possible! 2 Chronicles 15:7 says, “But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”
The challenge may be great, but His power is greater, and His promises are sure!
Father, send laborers to our families, cities, this nation, and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ! Let a godly sorrow arrest the hearts of all people, so there is true repentance and revival of the Spirit that brings times of refreshing to us all, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
