It’s often said, “As California goes, so goes the nation.” This saying usually pertains to bad legislation and horrible trends. But can it also apply to good things? From Billy Graham’s crusades, the Jesus Movement, and Hollywood being started by a church, good soil has been plowed, and there are many solid churches here.
All We Need is a Sudden Shift
What if God isn’t done yet with California? Could a seismic spiritual awakening here affect the future course of our nation? Having our church located on the San Andreas fault line in Los Angeles County makes us keenly aware of how a sudden shift could affect millions.
In the same way, we need a significant shift in our spiritual lives to truly make a difference: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear (Matt. 11:15).” This isn’t just a call to Californians; it’s a call to all Americans.
Rapid Truth Decay
It’s no surprise that we are witnessing the rapid moral decay of a nation right before our eyes. As a result, many are struggling with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, yet God offers tremendous hope. And 2 Chronicles 7:14 is often the verse we turn to: If we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear, forgive, and heal our land.
It does not say, “If Hollywood, Washington, or the media turns to God,” but “If My people” turn. The responsibility rests FULLY upon our shoulders.
The First Step in the Right Direction
I can already hear the critics: “2 Chronicles 7:14 was for Old Testament Israel.” If that’s you, then consider these questions: “Is it a bad thing if we humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and repent? Is it possible that blessings could follow such an outpouring of repentance and spiritual renewal?” Absolutely!
Although the direct context may not apply to us, the principle always applies. God is no respecter of persons, but He is a respecter of principles, and the principle of seeking Him can shake a nation (Jer. 29:13).
Will you do what it takes to truly make a difference? There is no Plan B. The first step in the right direction always begins with repentance. Humility, desperation, and brokenness are key.
Churches Shifting in the Wrong Direction
Tragically, many churches have become weak and woke. We’ve created a generation that seeks teachers who tickle ears rather than challenge hearts (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3). These teachers know nothing of the calling of Jeremiah, in which God’s Word was like a fire that devours and a hammer that shatters (Jer. 23:29). Instead, they prophesy smooth things and encourage sin, and the people love to have it so (Isa. 30:10).
To see real change, we need our pulpits aflame with righteousness again and tongues of fire calling us to repent: “A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God” (Robert McCheyne). As the pulpit goes, so goes the pew.
Light the Fire and Let it Burn
God still looks for men and women to light the fire and fan the flames of revival: “It is only when the whole heart is gripped with the passion of prayer that the life-giving fire descends, for none but the earnest man gets access to the ear of God” (E.M. Bounds).
Is God’s Word in your heart like a “burning fire?” (Jer. 20:9). We need to return to the old paths: “Where are yesterday’s altars of prayer? Where are the saints that love to linger in His presence? The weeping, the crying, the interceding for lost souls? The church needs to wake up!” (Gene Easley).
Our prayer should be, “Oh Lord, we need fire again, and begin in me!”
The Cure for Chaos
At a critical time in Israel’s history, Elijah approached the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him!” (1 Kg. 18:21). The same call goes out today: How long will you waver? True change begins with prayer, is fueled by worship, and is sustained by obedience.
Be crystal clear here: This is a plea for full surrender to Christ: He is the only Cure for our chaos, the only Anchor for our storm, and the only Hope for the hurting.
Revival can come to California, and the saying, “As California goes, so goes the nation,” can bring hope for the future.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, California, just North of Los Angeles. Shane’s sermons, articles, books, and radio programs can all be found at shaneidleman.com. He is the author of 12 books — all are available as free downloads at wcfav.org. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @ShaneIdleman as well as Twitter (X) @IdlemanShane.
