We have a history, like any other nation, filled with both good and bad moments—times when we triumphed over evil and times when evil was overlooked.
Just recently, we celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday we often take for granted. But you might not know that Thanksgiving wasn’t always celebrated consistently. It wasn’t until 1863, in the middle of the Civil War—when our nation was literally split in two—that President Abraham Lincoln made it an official holiday.
The Civil War wasn’t just devastating because of the number of casualties. It tore families apart—brother against brother, father against son. In the midst of this division, Lincoln penned these words:
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States… to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens… with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience… and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it… to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.”
A Different Kind of Division Today
While we’re not fighting a literal civil war, our nation is deeply divided.
On one side, there’s a traditional Christian worldview—a belief in justice rooted in Scripture, the right to worship freely, share our faith, and raise our children without government interference.
On the other, there’s a radical vision where some would use the government to intrude into every area of life and discriminate against those who disagree with them
This is a time for believers to humble ourselves before God—to seek His guidance, wisdom, and strength for the battles ahead.
A Word from Isaiah
When the prophet Isaiah spoke to a nation under God’s judgment, he reminded them of the One who reigns above all:
“It is He who sits above the circle of the earth… who brings princes to nothing… Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God… He gives power to the faint… they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
(Isaiah 40:21–31 ESV)
Four Ways Recognizing God’s Sovereignty Strengthens Us
1. We Rest Secure in Who He Is
If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
A worldview rooted in Scripture gives clarity in distinguishing between good and evil. Without it, opinions shift with the news cycle and often contradict themselves.
When we lose awe of God’s sovereign hand, we start putting our hope in politics, human ingenuity, or so-called “progress.” But true stability comes from knowing God personally and meditating on His Word.
2. We Know the Plans of the Wicked Will Fail
Isaiah reminds us: “He brings princes to nothing.”
Those who seize power and push agendas against God’s truth may seem to gain ground, but in the end, God wins. That truth keeps us from despair and anchors our hope.
3. We Draw Strength When We’re Weary
Let’s be honest—sometimes we feel more like scratching in the dirt with chickens than soaring like eagles. Life wears us down. But God knows our limits and promises to renew our strength when we wait on Him.
4. We Have Confidence to Fulfill His Calling
God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean we do nothing—it means we act with courage, knowing He is with us.
Consider Elijah: He confronted a corrupt king and false prophets, saw a mighty victory, then ran in fear when threatened. God met him on the mountain—not to let him quit, but to send him back with renewed purpose.
In the same way, God calls us to make a difference right where we are—whether in our families, workplaces, churches, or communities.
Final Thought
God’s sovereignty should fill us with confidence that no matter how things look now, His purposes will prevail. Our role isn’t to change the entire world—but to be faithful with the influence He’s given us in the lives of those around us.
And when we do that—when we humbly seek Him and courageously live out our faith—we may just see Him heal the wounds of our divided nation once again.