Faith for a Shaking Nation

A couple of years ago, during Covid, I heard something on the news that made me stop in my tracks. Over and over, reporters and commentators repeated the same narrative: the problems in our nation the burning of cities, the racial and social unrest, even the pandemic were the fault of conservatives and their faith.

It wasn’t just an accusation. It was said with a sneer, with disdain, with contempt.

And it immediately reminded me of another moment in history back in the days of the prophet Elijah.

1 Kings 18:17–18 says:

“When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, ‘Is that you, the troubler of Israel?’ He said, ‘I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals.’”

Israel was in crisis, and instead of taking responsibility, the king pointed his finger at the prophet of God. But Elijah stood his ground. He declared, “The problem is not me. The problem is that you’ve abandoned the commandments of the Lord and turned to false gods.”

That day Elijah challenged the people with a haunting question:

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21)

The Bible says the people answered him not a word.

What a picture of America today a nation wavering, caught between two choices, unwilling to answer.

I’ll never forget January 22, 1973. I was fifteen years old when the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Roe v. Wade.

I can still see myself sitting in my Current Events class. Our teacher was showing pictures of the unborn, arguing that what we were looking at wasn’t a living being just tissue, like a mole or an abscess.

I stood up, heart pounding, and asked:

“When was the last time a mole grew into a human being?”

The room erupted in laughter. But I knew then what I know now: the enemy always tries to gain ground through deception. What starts as a foothold becomes a stronghold.

Ephesians 4:27 warns: “Do not give the devil a foothold.”

Fifty years later, abortion has gone from unthinkable to celebrated. In some states, it’s legal right up to the moment of birth.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize: while I cannot control what lawmakers do in Washington, I can control what happens in my own house.

Joshua declared: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

And God’s promise is sure: “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” (Isaiah 54:13)

So, what do we do when our nation is shaking? Paul’s journey to Rome in Acts 27–28 gives us a roadmap.

            1.        Faith Gets You Through Storms

When the storm raged and the ship seemed doomed, Paul declared:

“There stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.” (Acts 27:23)

When everything shakes, remember whose you are and whom you serve.

            2.        Faith Attracts Attacks

As Paul gathered sticks for a fire, a viper latched onto his hand. The hotter your fire burns, the more the enemy will try to bite. But Paul shook it off and so can you.

            3.        Faith Stirs Opinions

When Paul was bitten, the people whispered, “No doubt this man is a murderer.” Later, when he lived, they called him a god. People will always talk. Don’t live for their opinion. Live for God’s.

            4.        Faith Turns Attacks into Ministry

Because Paul survived, doors opened. He laid hands on the father of Publius and healed him. What the enemy meant for harm became the launching pad for revival on Malta.

There’s an old story of a mule that fell into a well. The farmer thought he’d never get him out, so he began shoveling dirt to bury him. But with every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the mule shook it off and stepped up until he walked out of the well.

That’s a picture of faith. Dirt is flying everywhere in our culture today. You can lie down and be buried by it, or you can shake it off and step up.

When Moses saw the burning bush, he said:

“I will now turn aside and see this great sight.” (Exodus 3:3)

And when he turned aside, God spoke.

Many want God to speak, but they won’t slow down or shift course long enough to listen. If we want to hear His voice in this hour, we must turn aside.

Yes, America is pointing fingers again. Yes, the storms rage. Yes, the dirt is flying. But this is not the time to lie down in despair. It’s the time to shake it off and step up.

• Remember whom you belong to and whom you serve.

• Shake off discouragement and fear.

• Ignore the chatter of opinions.

• Let the shaking stir your spirit, not crush it.

• Step into breakthrough and ministry.

Because the God who spoke to Elijah, preserved Paul, and met Moses at the bush is still speaking today.

This is the moment for the church to rise not in fear, not in compromise, but in faith.

Now is the time to shake it off.

Now is the time to step up.

Now is the time to believe that God can still heal a shaking nation.