Session 18

How we change the world

From 2 Chronicles: A 28-Day Devotional

We love America, but if we’re being honest, there are things about our country we wish would change. The news is filled with stories of hate crimes, corruption, poverty, and abuse. No matter what we believe politically, we can tell there is something wrong biblically.

Many Christians see 2 Chronicles 7:13-16 as a promise from God that if we pray He will heal our land. We should pray for our country, its people, its leaders, and the principles on which our government operates. But if we only pray, we fall into the trap of quick-fix thinking by expecting God to fix our country without any commitment or action from us.  

In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus told his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. Then, in Acts 1:8, Jesus promised to give them the power to do it: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The same Holy Spirit who empowered the disciples to start a movement lives in us. When we ask Jesus into our lives, we receive His power and His mission. And the same way the disciples started local and went global, the best place for us to start making disciples of all nations is in our own backyards, workplaces, communities, schools, and social clubs.

Jesus believes we can be part of changing the world. We must believe it, too. As we listen to Jesus and do what He says, God will change our world — one step and one person at a time.  

Reflect:

• What’s one way the Gospel can bring about changes you would like to see in your community?
• Is there anything you’ve been praying for that you feel God prompting you to take action on?
• What’s your next step based on everything you read today?