If my people, who are called by My name, will pray…

“Watchmen on the Wall” visited several prominent Christian leaders in South Africa recently and asked them about their hopes and expectations for the New Year.

I also canvassed their views about the upcoming General Elections. Although the leaders come from different backgrounds, their perspectives on 2014 were remarkably similar.

This programme was broadcast on TBN Africa on Tuesday, January 21 at 8pm and will be repeated on Sunday, January at 7pm.

There appears to be widespread agreement amongst the Body of Christ that this year will be significant for South Africa and the Church. One intercessor referred to 2014 as a “watershed” year for the nation. Many agree you and I will experience new and unexpected things this year.

The more widely I solicit the views of Christian citizens, the more I am convinced of this message.

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Significantly however, apart from the growing expectation that the Christian Church will see God move in new and unexpected ways this year – there are also warnings the Church will be tested.

Challenges to the community of believers called the Church of Christ are nothing new. In fact, historically, the Christian Church thrived and experienced its greatest victories under persecution.

From my survey of viewpoints from Christians of different walks of life, two things emerge that almost every single believer agrees on – prayer and unity is essential for the move of God in SA.

Prayer – heartfelt, earnest and relentless prayer appears to be the most common message resonating with believers. This urgent prayer burden fits with the expectations for the new year.

John Wesley said, “God does nothing but in answer to prayer; and even they who have been converted to God without praying for it themselves, (which is exceeding rare) were not without the prayers of others. Every new victory which a soul gains is the effect of a new prayer.”

Over the past 20 years of democracy, the spiritual and moral climate in South Africa has steadily deteriorated. Great euphoria greeted South Africa’s political rebirth in April 1994.

Two decades later, much of that euphoria has dissipated. Endemic corruption, mismanagement, crime and violence, poverty, unemployment and moral degradation etc…have all killed the dream.

South Africa is therefore ripe for spiritual rebirth. The question is; “Are God’s people in this nation so desperate for change that they will do whatever is necessary to make that change a reality?”

I have no doubt that God has a great plan and purpose for South Africa. The peaceful transition from a violence wracked apartheid era to democracy underscores this point.

But as co-labourers with Christ, you and I have a critical role to play to ensure God’s perfect will for South Africa is established. God can do this without our help. But He chooses to use us.

By now you must be familiar with the oft quoted Scripture, “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.

This Scripture has special resonance in 2014. Let’s stand united in faith and fervently pray that God’s will be done for SA this significant year. Believe God for greater things and you will see it!

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Standing

Errol Naidoo