Few would argue that our country is in for a wild ride over the next few years. Laws will change. The educational climate will change. Daily living will change. Culture will change. America, itself will change in ways we never thought possible. In fact, life as we know it, will probably never be the same.

How should we, as believers, respond to this unprecedented upheaval of traditional values and beloved American freedom?

Well, this one thing, I know: God and His Word will never change!

God’s Word still gives us direction for life. It still holds a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance for life’s difficult choices and challenging seasons.

My mission, as a believer, is still the same. Here is a verse that I have claimed as my life verse for many years:

“He has shown thee, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of thee? To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8

That mandate hasn’t changed. It hasn’t changed for you, and it hasn’t changed for me.

We are still called to treat others justly— our neighbors, our friends, even our enemies. When the world is unjust, we are to act justly.

We are still called to show mercy to others in dire circumstances—and in this time of pandemic and political upheaval there are many— those who have lost their jobs or are experiencing desperate illness. There are people who are emotionally distraught due to new stresses or strained relationships. All of these situations call for mercy—mercy with hands and feet!

We are still called to walk in humility and love knowing that we are sinners—lost forever were it not for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Our greatest weapons against satan’s tactics in the world are humility, love, and prayer rather than arrogant and hateful discourse. We can disagree. We can call and email senators and representatives. We can (and should) vote! We can even engage in political discussion to a certain point, as long as the atmosphere remains a loving and respectful one and humility is the attitude of our hearts.

But prayer is truly our greatest weapon in this world—an underrated and underutilized tool for change. Believers should be on their knees praying for our country and its leaders daily.

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” 1 John 5:14-15

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

And we can rest in the fact that God is still in control! He is still on His throne overseeing and sustaining this world that he created. We will absolutely not understand everything that is happening in our world in these challenging days. But God knows. He tells us in His Word:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

And, as Moses said to Joshua as he was preparing him to lead the Israelites into the promised land:

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Fellow believers, there is no need to fear as we face these unprecedented changes and assaults on Christian liberty that will most assuredly happen in the coming days. We can have inner peace and confidence that God is with us. As Jesus was preparing His disciples for His impending death He reminded them not to be afraid:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

So how should we, as believers, respond to the the troubling, life-altering events in our world?

Pray! Love! Help!

Take this opportunity to be the image of Christ to a lost and hurting world.