(By pastor Jean)

“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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14; NKJV). This is one of those “if, then” portions of scripture where we have a part to play and if we do our part then God can do His. Let’s see what is involved in our part. Firstly, we need to make sure we are called, that is that we belong to God and are part of His family. Eph 1:4 says that we were chosen by God but we have to respond to that by becoming born again (John 3:7). We are then required to humble ourselves; in other words, we shouldn’t think highly of ourselves and should be submitted to God’s will. Next, we have to pray and seek God’s face. To seek God’s face is spending time in His presence so we can pray and intercede. The word “seek” in Hebrew is translated “crave” or “require”. This isn’t ho-hum prayer but it is earnest, focused prayer (James 5:16). Then we have to repent which means a change of mind which leads to change in behaviour (Matt 3:2). God says if we do all that He will hear us, forgive us (see also Matt 26:28 and 1 John 1:9) and heal our land; how much do we need that! The only way we will see things turn around in our country is by an intervention from God which necessitates us doing all the things required in the verse above, Let’s remember to pray for our country and leaders on a daily basis (1 Tim 2:1-2).