Like it or not, we are God’s soldiers in a spiritual struggle for the very survival of Godliness in America.We must deal with the breakdown at hand, as we alone posses the solution to this problem. Dealing with it is our responsibility.

God’s word has given us a framework for national revival. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 he says: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and will HEAL their land.” There are four “ifs” that must be satisfied by God’s people prior to his promise of a response. The first “if” requires them to humble themselves, the second is prayer, the third directs them to seek HIS face, and the fourth is to turn from their wicked ways.

Here are 4 suggestions of ACTIONS you should take along with the four “ifs” noted above to be a part of the solution as God’s soldiers. I am fully aware each step will require some serious thought and time on your part. In fact, the truth is, when you completed everything, I’m recommending, you will still find it necessary to regularly re-access and revise your conclusions. Step number 1, however, could and should be finished immediately, I sincerely hope you will give it a try. Here it is:

STEP 1: Create a circle of love and fill in the names. A circle of love is simply a listing of those people who mean the most to you. Older Christians could include many names in their circle. For example, if you were married and had several children, who in turn gave you grandchildren and, subsequently gave you great-grandchildren, the number in your circle might reach into the thirties, forties, fifties, or even higher. My wife and I presently have seventy-six in our immediate family, and it is still growing.
If you don’t have great-grandchildren yet, its more likely your total, including children, their spouses, and some grandchildren, will range between ten to thirty people. That still a lot of people. Couples with younger children probably won’t break into double digits. Then again, you might want to include parents and siblings in your circle of love.      Singles can put down quite a few names as well. Nothing limits your circle to blood relatives alone. If you enjoy a close relationship with a friend or neighbor, that individual should definitely be included. After all, its your circle of love.

STEP 2: Carefully think through what you can offer each of the special individuals that might be of eternal value. It could be lessons learned from a lifetime of living for and trying to follow Jesus. But, for whatever reason, these insights have never been shared with a son, a daughter, or close friend: Now you’re feeling divinely compelled to do just that.
Possibly its a special book or an experience that totally turned your life around, but those close to you know little about it.     Maybe its the promise of Grandpa’s persistent prayers or the phone calls to find out how they’re being answered. It could be the money needed to send a grandchild to a Christian school, or a short-term mission trip with Mom before your daughter heads off to college, or simply sharing the story of how you became a follower of Jesus. You always put it off in the past, but now you feel the need to write down your testimony including how the Lord brought you through some really difficult times. It’s whatever the Holy Spirit lays on your heart as you think about each of the precious individuals on your list. This is what I have to share with my son, or closest friend, or my granddaughter, that I believe has eternal value. You might say to your fiance, “Its my life verse, sweetheart, and believe me, I’ve said it to myself time and time again! And because we’re going to be married, I wanted you to know about it.”

STEP 3: For each person in your circle of love, write down specific prayer requests applicable to the present, as well as five or ten years in to the future. At this very moment, what should I be requesting of the Lord that will benefit Emily? Too often our prayers are hasty and short-sighted. “Lord, keep Emily  healthy, pretty and sweet!” That’s not adequate. Instead how about: “Lord, protect her from the evil one. Giver her teachers at school and church who will love her and challenge her to be a special servant for you.” “Five hears from now, Lord, I want you to be the one who guides her as she considers if she should plan on going to college, as well as which one to attend. Ten years off-start preparing her for a single life of celibacy, if that’s how she can best serve you, or choose the right young man to join her in marriage.”
When you finally stop long enough to write down each request and regularly make an effort to update your list, I think you will be surprised to find many prayers of hope have somehow been replaced with prayers of expectation.
Finally, to the best of your ability, write down the specifics of how you want to pray for each of these individuals. Only as you do this will you be transformed into a prayer warrior strong enough to stand between your loved ones and the plague of the enemy that now permeates our entire culture. To intercede is to go to God on behalf of another .Unlike spiritual superficiality, effective intercessions requires serious forethought. Anything less will not suffice. Given the times we live in, it should not be difficult for any believer to grasp its importance.

STEP 4: Examine your own life. What changes is God asking you to make? Today in America the devil is winning. In my heart I can hear the wake-up trumpet playing. Reveille. Reveille-revival-same basic idea…wake up! And what does that mean for me, Lord? “I certainly don’t want to be found lolling around watching a 50″ LED TV while the emergency siren is sounding in the street!”
IN a safe harbor setting for all kinds of seductive distractions, ongoing self-examination is important. If you hope to be an effective disciple of the Son of God, it is crucial.

In conclusion, you must listen…if you don’t provide cover for your loved ones, no one else will, and they could perish. This threat is real. You can’t ignore the powerful influence Satan has gained through our society. People are going to be lost if you fail to intervene on their behalf. The time to begin this process is right now. There is NO more time to waste. Be a soldier for Jesus and create a circle of love!