He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away. – Job 12:23
After George Washington’s two terms, John Adams was elected the second President of the United States. During his term, the French Revolution occurred and the atheistic Reign of Terror followed in France. All churches were closed; religious monuments destroyed; graves desecrated; crosses forbidden; public and private worship and education outlawed. Priests and ministers were executed on sight. French privateers ignored treaties and, by 1798, had seized nearly 300 American ships bound for British ports. Talleyrand, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, demanded millions of dollars in bribes for them to leave U.S. ships alone.
As America and France came close to war, President Adams asked George Washington, now retired at Mount Vernon, to again be the Commander-in-Chief of the American Army. Washington agreed. President Adams also declared a Day of Fasting March 23, 1798 and again on March 6, 1799. President Adams said, “The people of the United States are still held in jeopardy by insidious acts of a foreign nation, as well as by the dissemination among them of those principles subversive to the foundations of all religions, moral and social obligations… Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.”
War with France was then averted, and a Second Great Awakening revival began to sweep America.
Throughout history, there has been the rise and fall of atheistic governments. Their leaders foolishly discount the presence and power of God. But it is the Lord who raises up certain nations for a time and then causes them to fall. He controls the future.
Rejoice that you can trust God to guide your life. And as you pray, intercede for your national leaders to also place their trust in the One who is Lord over all.
Today’s Verse: Job 12:23
He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
