The message was brought by Rev. Derek Cowan.
Zechariah 1:1-3 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, The Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers. Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.
God was displeased. He let the people know in verse 2, but in verse 3 he let them know there is still grace to be had in the Lord. America is in the same shape. Not only is sin going on, it is celebrated. Sin is still sin. The only hope for our nation is repentance. Second Chronicles 7:14 says if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. God didn’t commit to do anything until the people repented.
Where could you go in a time such as this? People love pleasure more than God. Sports stadiums are full, but we have to beg even church people—supposed to be saved—to come to church. Instead of love and forgiveness, some look for reasons to have division. Where could I go? Nearly every family has been touched by cancer. People are sick. It’s a dark hour. Suicide rates are high; people feel hopeless. Satan is against us. We are not without hope. We are not without victory. Where could we go? If we turn to God, he’ll turn to us. The great I AM is mindful of us. I know America is in sad shape. Churches struggle. I have good news. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He can still make a way. Many put their hope and confidence in politics. My hope is not on Capitol Hill; it’s on Calvary’s hill. It’s not in the White House; it’s in the church house. Washington won’t straighten this mess out. People numb their minds with drugs and alcohol to get away from reality. What’s missing? They turn to the wrong things. Turn to Jesus Christ. He’s our only hope. He knows how to give us what we need.
Where can we go for pardon? If you know you’re on your way to hell, you can get pardon. Jesus said come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. John 3:16 says for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ loves you. He shed his blood and suffered for your pardon. Hebrews 4 says for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. If you turn to him for pardon, he’ll turn to you. Where could you go but to the Lord? Are you saved but have messed up and allowed things in your life that shouldn’t be there? First John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. John was a Christian. He said if WE confess our sins. If you’ve messed up, where can you go but to the Lord?
It’s hard in this world to live for God. The devil battles us. He knows what to use against us and launches every fiery dart he can. First Corinthians 4:10 says we are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised. I recognize the weakness of my flesh. I could easily stumble and fall. If you think you’re above it, there is a verse for you too: wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. We need the power of God in our lives. Where can we go for it? We can have it. Paul sought the Lord three times for a thorn in the flesh but was told my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul said most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. As long as you think you can do it, you’re not in the place that the Lord can bless you. When you are weak, God is strong. Where can we go in battles and temptations? Many times I go to the prayer closet and seek the Lord’s help. When you need power, turn to God and he’ll turn to you. He is not limited. He can meet the need and give you strength to go on.
Where can you go when you need peace? I know what it’s like for problems to keep me awake. Dreams and ambitions are shattered. Loves ones and friends turn and leave in betrayal. I serve a God who is unmovable and gives peace in the storm. Our problems won’t go away until we get to heaven. In this world we will have tribulations. You can only get peace in one place. Jesus said in John 14 peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. God can do a work and it will be mind boggling. Jesus looked a storm right in the eye and said peace be still. I’m glad I can lay my burdens at the foot of the cross. He knows how to whisper sweet peace to our soul. He can still cry out peace be still. Psalm 23 says thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I want you to get this. He didn’t set the table up on the hill or in a fancy place; he set in in the presence of his enemies. He’ll prepare a table for you. That’s what makes you keep smiling—peace.
In an hour when families struggle to make ends meet, when the homeless rate is higher than ever, when some kid’s only hot meal is at school because their parents can’t afford to feed them, where do you go for provision? There have been times when I wondered how I’d get the car fixed or how I’d pay the light bill. I found out my God shall supply. James 1:17 says every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. I know a God who gives us good, perfect blessings. Where else can we go for provision?
God has not changed. Our only hope is to turn to God. If you need pardon, turn to God. If you need power, turn to God. If you need peace, turn to God. If you need provision, turn to God. Where else could you go?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 