AN UNPLEASANT TRUTH?
God’s Word says a lot about a lot of things and we like some more than others. One truth we don’t like as much is that trials and suffering are part of the Christian journey and actually benefit spiritual growth.
Jesus said that following Him would be difficult, and that all who do would suffer persecution (Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:17, John 15:18-21, II Timothy 3:12). We Americans have had it easy but that’s about to change and we’re not ready for it.
The church in America has forfeited our ability to be her preserving salt and guiding light, but God has temporarily intervened by installing Donald J. Trump as our President. Trump’s unprecedented effectiveness is a mark of God enabling him, yet our eyes are drawn to him and not to the Father.
The Father spared us of the devastating impact of a Harris/Walz government and created this opportunity for us to repent and to experience Biblical revival and regain influence, but our eyes and hearts are more on making America great again than on revival in the Church and advancing the Kingdom of God.
Our pursuit of the American Dream has morphed into Trumpism and to giving “America” a more central place in life than we give to God. We find more identity in our earthly citizenship and more security in our military might, than in Him. We have been blessed because of our support of Israel but that could change. “America first” is a false god to many Christians and will eventually betray us – possibly sooner than later. Actually, I will be surprised if we escape serious troubles in 2026.
As I reread Samuel, Kings and Chronicles recently I was reminded of how directly and specifically God responded to the righteous or ungodly actions of Israel and her kings, and He doesn’t change. Their repeated pattern of rebellion, punishment, repentance, and restoration should serve as a spiritual lesson. Does it?
Why would America not be judged? Such judgment would be more because of the Church than the nation, and only a repentant Church could prevent it, but we’re running out of time. If we humble ourselves in the midst of the coming purifying fire we will become enabled to not only survive but to thrive as the Body of Christ, and bondslaves to His purposes, for His glory. And if we don’t – – -!! Why not start today?
Up next, “REVIVAL, OR NOT?”
See:
– www.john2031.com/books/mlj/main.html for “12, Growth Through Hardships”
– www.john2031.com/site_map_inspiration.html for many helpful articles.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
January 20, 2026
See pdf at: www.10minas.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26-7-1-of-5.pdf