I see that scripture all over the internet as people anxiously wait for GOD to do something about our tragic situation. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). It sounds like they got the message and want to claim their reward, but nothing has happened yet.
Shouldn’t people expect miraculous intervention from the loving GOD they have heard about? The Preacher told them GOD wants to bless them and all they have to do is ask. Nothing is “too much” for GOD to give, so they should ask for something big! Why shouldn’t they ask for GOD’s help, after all they deserve it! They were told, GOD is just waiting to fulfill their every desire and make their dreams come true. So why haven’t we seen an answer yet?
Maybe there are conditions? The Preacher never mentioned conditions in those sermons when he told me what was mine! He said GOD loves me unconditionally, so if there are conditions something is wrong. Maybe you have to change? There you go again, bringing up something the Preacher didn’t say. He said GOD accepted me as I am. I don’t want to change and that’s why I need GOD to fix this mess.
Maybe you missed the word “If” in 2 Chron 7:14? Following that word is a “todo list” for GOD’s people if they want His help. In fact, that same chapter also details the consequences “If” they don’t obey. He says “if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments … Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and…will I cast out of my sight” (2 Chron 7:19 – 20). So why are you expecting anything from GOD, if you didn’t follow His directions? I haven’t noticed a great number of people humbling themselves and turning from their wicked ways. Much of the world seems to be going the other direction.
First and most important, God’s blessings are for His people. You must be saved or you shouldn’t expect anything from GOD but judgment and eternal death. But you said “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Yes, GOD gave His Son to pay for your sin and you must believe that JESUS died and rose from the dead, to be saved. It’s not just a mental acknowledgement, but an encounter with ALMIGHTY GOD, where you turn from your sin and turn to GOD as your LORD and SAVIOR. That is how to become “Born Again.”
I’m saved but still don’t see anything happening. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6 KJV). You must renew your mind in GOD’s word to build up your faith, because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17 KJV). But there are many religious scholars out there who don’t have faith to believe GOD answers prayers right now. You should seek a relationship with GOD instead of religious scholarship. Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7 KJV) and GOD will heal you and your land.
Wayne Lance