Trusting God in tough times

Erick Kalenga
Published: July 12, 2008

A few years ego I had the privilege of visiting the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., while David Barton was doing an absolutely remarkable presentation.

Barton showed us with great details how America was founded on Christian principles.

He is the founder and president of WallBuilders, which describes itself as “a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.”

I have traveled in a number of countries, and I have not yet found one formed on such strong biblical principles. It is very obvious that the blessings and favor that Americans enjoy today is due to the fact America was covered with prayer and the word of God.

However, Americans are pushing God out of every facet of life. And we are wondering why things are going the way they are.

There was a time when I was young and we lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (aka Zaire). I remember things getting very difficult. The economy was collapsing and politically things were not looking well either. There was a shortage of almost everything (food, medical suppliers, fuel, etc.) and very high inflation.

Some of the people I knew could only afford one meal a day, if that. And we were no different. As a family of 13 siblings, including cousins, I can not even imagine what my parents were going through while trying to feed this mass population.

The company that my dad was working for was behind in salaries, but there were a few things that kept my family going: One was the farm (a great source of provision), and the most important thing was faith.

We prayed every day, and I never heard my parents complain about how bad things were or how horrible the economy was — at least not in front of us. They helped us keep our focus on God, who is the provider and owns everything.

My parents had a great deal of sacrifice in order for us to enjoy this wonderful legacy. The Democratic Republic of Congo was not formed upon Christian principles. But my parents were committed to give it to us. The heritage that I received from my mother and my late father has helped me throughout my adult life. I have learned not to focus on how bad the situation appears to be but to keep my trust and my faith in God. 

It is evident that things are not looking good here in America. The price of gas is going up rapidly; the price for food is also increasing.

It is normal for people to start stressing about the situation, but I have to say this: I lived in the worst of situations, like most African people, and I don’t wish that on the American people. However, the American people have got to return to the God who blessed them in the first place.

I would like to encourage all the Christians that you are serving a great God, and don’t be caught up in how bad things may appear to you, but keep your eyes on God. Now is the time for America to return to God and bless him. I pray that the American people will make a commitment to keep or return to their Godly heritage.

In 1860, President James Buchanan signed a proclamation for a Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.

It stated: “Numerous appeals have been made to me by pious and patriotic associations and citizens, in view of the present distracted and dangerous condition of our country, to recommend that a day be set apart for Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer throughout the Union. In compliance with their request and my own sense of duty, I designate Friday, the 4th of January 1861, for this purpose, and recommend that the People assemble on that day, according to their several forms of worship, to keep it as a solemn Fast.”

When things were not going well, the people turned to God for direction. Today, people are trying to figure it out on their own. America: Remember to bless God!

Erick Kalenga is an independent columnist who appears Sundays in the Star-Exponent. He lives in Madison County.
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