What Will Your Response Be?
"If you repent, I will restore you…" (Jeremiah 15:19).
There is no doubt that the United States is experiencing a time of anguish. So much of the news reflects on economic woes and national troubles that seem to have no end or solutions. No matter what is decided in our nation's capital - there seems to be no good answer to the problem our nation is facing.
Our nation's leaders are searching for answers. The governor of Texas, Rick Perry, is calling for a day of prayer and fasting on Saturday, August 6, 2011. A big event called the "The Response" is being held in Houston to encourage people to ask God to intervene in our country's struggles. But will this help our nation in crisis?
Personally, you might be facing troubles of your own. Your finances might be stressed. Your health might be failing. Your marriage might be on the line of divorce. The thoughts overwhelm you as you wrestle in not knowing a solution to the personal difficulties you face.
You, America and the entire world needs a restoration. This is not a solution that comes from us but from our loving and merciful Father. The prophet Joel gave a strong warning message to ancient Israel (the same message can apply to us today) to "rend your heart" and "return to the Lord with your heart…that He may turn and have pity" and prevent further "calamities". (I would encourage you to read the whole book of Joel for the entire story.)
The only solution for the woes, problems, difficulties, turmoil (you choose the word) for the United States and you personally - is to humble yourself before God in fasting and prayer - and seek His forgiveness. This is called repentance - and it’s a start in turning your life around and making the relationship with God a number one priority. Can a nation change its ways? Yes. Read in the Bible how God spared Nineveh's destruction because the people turned from their evil ways (Jonah 3).
Don't wait for solutions to come from your government, leaders, friends, a religious revival - whoever. Start with the solution yourself. Follow the example of the apostle Paul when he wrote, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…"(2 Corinthians 7:10)
What will your response be?
If you are just starting to learn about prayer, fasting, humility and repentance - please read the related resources below or featured Bible Study aid booklets.
Course Content
Aaron Booth
Aaron Booth is the Internet Manager for the United Church of God, where he oversees the organization's web presence and digital initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience in the Internet and digital media industry, Aaron has witnessed the remarkable evolution of the web and is passionate about using technology to connect people with meaningful, life-changing content.
Aaron earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Ambassador University before continuing his education at Purdue University, where he studied Leisure Studies and Recreation Management. While at Purdue, he discovered a passion for web and multimedia development, launching a career that included work at Purdue University and several web and multimedia companies in Indianapolis. Following the dot-com downturn in the early 2000s, he relocated to the Cincinnati area and joined the United Church of God, where he continues to serve today.
Aaron enjoys finding innovative ways to use technology to make biblical content more accessible and engaging for audiences around the world. He is especially interested in exploring new digital platforms and creative approaches that help people discover and interact with God's Word.
Aaron and his wife, Dawn, have been married for 25 years. They have two adult children and a grandson. Outside of work, Aaron is an avid fly fisherman and serves as the volunteer lead mentor for the Cincinnati chapter of The Mayfly Project, a nonprofit that connects children in foster care with mentors through the healing and lifelong sport of fly fishing.
