Many world leaders have harbored ambitions to rule the world. One of them was Joseph Stalin, the notorious Soviet dictator, who was willing to eradicate millions of innocent people on his path to power. He was also not beyond shooting his own soldiers if they proved unwilling to press forward at all costs. “In the Soviet army,” he once said, “it takes more courage to retreat than advance.” But Stalin’s empire is now gone, sharing the destiny of all other kingdoms built by men with delusions of grandeur.

He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away. Job 12:23

The fate of every nation is decided by God, not by individual courage, wars or crazed despots. This is a comfort to the Christian, but also a caution. America’s past is a proud one, but her future is by no means assured.

As you intercede for your country today, do so with the humble realization that God alone determines the destiny of nations and individuals. He has made clear in His Holy Word the things He will reward and the things He will punish. Pray that America’s leaders will honor the Lord today – for that is the only true path to power.

Recommended Reading: II Chronicles 12:5-12