On 20 March we were part of a prayer event focussing on the up-coming elections for South Africa. It was incredible to see so many young people coming together to pray, and I believe the evening was very powerful. We all left so inspired because God had been there in our midst. That's not surprising; it's God's desire for us to pray, and He is keen to bless it when we do.

When I signed into facebook this morning my home page was full of comments about the future of the country. It is clear that we are at a pivotal point in our history, and many people are concerned. There is a huge tension in the atmosphere. This is real, but you know what, God is also real. What I'd like to point to is this scripture in the Old Testament: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronlicles 7:14.

What's interesting in that scripture is that the condition is “If my people...” It doesn't say “If the criminals, the corrupt, the other people.” It says “If my people.” That's us Christians. We tend to think that if everyone else in our country would get themselves sorted out then God will heal our land. But God's condition is that His people get themselves sorted out.

We're so quick to complain and so slow to pray. The problems we face become bigger and God seems to become smaller. Suddenly we're standing up trying to fight our own battle and the only time we bring God into the equation is when we complain that He isn't doing enough in the situation. I want to lay a challenge out, that every time we want to complain and every time we feel desperate about our future we pray. In that case there's going to be a lot more praying going on, and that is exactly what God is asking us for - “If my people would humble themselves and pray...”

The prayer event that we had on 20 March was awesome, but it was just a start. We need to all continue praying in our private times with God, get together with friends or those in your community and pray, and every time you feel worried or concerned about our future turn it into prayer.

What our country needs is a Saviour, but His plan for saving the country is by working through us. It starts with us turning back to Him. So what's your vote, to turn and pray, or to sit and point fingers?

Shaun
Harbourlight