By Kay Owen-Larson

 “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

“I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.  Yet through all the gloom I can see rays of ravishing light and glory.”  John Adams to Abigail, on the passing of the Declaration of Independence

“This nation was founded by God with a special calling.  The people who first came here knew they were being led here by the Lord Jesus Christ, to found a nation where men, women and children were to live in obedience to Him….This was truly to be one nation under God…. The reason, I believe, that we Americans are in trouble today is that we have forgotten this.”  Peter Marshall, pastor of East Dennis Community Church, Cape Cod.

Did God have a plan for America? Listen to the words of Christopher Columbus.

“It was the Lord who put into my mind (I could feel His hand upon me) to go to the Indies…. There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit, because He comforted me with rays of marvelous inspiration from the Holy Scripture. No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Savior. Oh, what a gracious Lord!  Day and night, moment by moment, everyone should express their devoted gratitude to Him.”

The first settlers felt God had a plan for this nation. The first governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop, said, “America is ‘A city set on a hill’, which would be a light to the whole world.”  Men like William Bradford, John Winthrop, George Washington, who were among the first leaders of this nation, instead of aspiring to greatness, truly wanted nothing more than to serve God’s people. God was able to use them mightily to show the way of building this nation to be “A city set on a hill.”

How many of the incredible blessings that have been poured out on this nation – how much of the grace which continues to cover this country – are a direct result of the obedience and willingness of our forefathers to die to self and to live for others. Only God knows.

Happy Fourth of July!