One of our highest Kingdom goals is to make disciples of nations (Mt 28:19) and to bless nations (Gen 12:2). Like personal discipleship, the most exciting part of this discovery process is learning that we were created to fulfill a Kingdom purpose… that destiny is already wired into the desires of our hearts. It’s just as true for nations as it is for individuals. On a personal level, our hearts are fully integrated when we connect our own desires with the desires in God’s heart. Now take that thought a step further and imagine putting the Kingdom first and knowing God’s heart, my own heart and the heart of the nation… fitting those three puzzle pieces together so that they are tuned like an orchestra to make a sound, the harmony of heaven here on earth.
What’s the destiny of my country? – We should all seek God for an understanding of what is written our personal books as well as the book in heaven for our own nation. There is something special and unique about every person and nation in the world. If we know what that is, we can cooperate with the grace God has given to ourselves and others.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Ps 139:13-16 NIV
Personality – By character and personality, the USA is a nation of industry and innovation, of creativity, ingenuity and productivity, of opportunity and prosperity, of decency and generosity, of noble ideals and courageous people; of warriors who will voluntarily fight to defend liberty from tyranny, not only for themselves but for others, of moral laws premised on Biblical foundations and righteous founders, of remarkable ability to repent, admit fault and restore, a welcoming haven of acceptance, diversity and tolerance, a place where “we the people” are held in much higher esteem than centralized government bureaucracy. The USA is the land of the free and the home of the brave, where dreams can and do come true.
Calling – By calling, the USA is graced by God to be a light and glory for the world. This nation shares faith, ideas, freedom, and prosperity like no other in the world. Her president is often called the leader of the free world. I have felt carried by this favor personally when I am in other countries.
When I am in other nations, I ask the Lord to show me the calling on the people I’m with and on the nations I’m in. When I speak of that destiny, or simply ask others what it is, people love to share the desires and dreams of their own hearts and of the heart of their nation. Words that point to Kingdom destiny over nations are very prophetic and powerful. We honor one another when we recognize and respect calling.
Warfare – The fact that destiny and calling must be understood before they can be fulfilled makes your heart’s desire the centerpiece of spiritual warfare. This denigration of calling has a Satanic purpose – to keep you away from your Kingdom purpose. Individuals and nations all have strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. Forgiveness is what erases our failures from God’s memory. All that’s left is past victories and future calling. The enemy tries to shame and condemn us over every mistake we’ve ever made to keep us from feeling worthy of our destiny. On a national level, everything bad is rehearsed over and over again through the media to implement this strategy. Here’s a great example.
The Shift – Something has just shifted in the spiritual atmosphere. Over the last month a light has been shining on the lie, the people, and the spiritual forces behind this “shaming.” There is new freedom to speak of destiny and to acknowledge God’s unique calling and to be proud of it. We are patriotic regarding the Kingdom and the calling on our nation. We are no longer afraid to speak of the special grace on our nation and we have optimism for a bright future. Nations too, are vessels designed by God to carry His glory and honor and to give it back to Jesus as worship. Nation(s) are mentioned 715 times in the Bible.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. Ps 33:12
Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations — their kings led in triumphal procession. 12 For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. Isa 60:11-12 NIV
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Prov 14:34 NIV
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Rev 21:23-26 NIV
Here’s your homework assignment – Ask Jesus to open the book for your nation. Ask Him where your calling and the destiny of your nation overlap. Where does your calling fit into the bigger picture of what God is doing in the nations? Where’s the party?
Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready. Luke 14:16-17 NIV
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38 NIV
