The following article was written by Dutch Sheets, a powerful, world-renowned intercessor who spoke at IFA’s Rededicate America event.
Bucket List Item Fulfilled: July 4th Fireworks in DC
I fulfilled one of the goals on my bucket list this past weekend: Ceci and I watched the Fourth of July celebration live in Washington, D.C. The goal hadn’t been to do so on America’s 250th birthday, but Providence determined that we would. And what a year to choose.
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More than 850,000 fireworks were used in Washington, D.C., during the Independence Day celebrations! Organizers launched the explosives from 10 different locations, including barges in the Potomac River. The 40-minute display was ten times larger than typical D.C. Independence Day shows and was designed to break the Guinness World Record for the largest single fireworks display.
I’m thinking even the cloud of witnesses in heaven enjoyed this one!
We were in DC to speak at Intercessors For America’s gathering at the Museum of the Bible. How fitting that this amazing organization, which for 50 years has led the way in intercession for America, would host this conference. What an honor to join them. After the gathering ended, we joined about 160 attendees on a riverboat cruise and watched the fireworks while perched on the Potomac.
Bucket list: check.
While there in DC for the weekend, I couldn’t help but have a time of reflection. I went back in my mind to some of the encounters I’ve had with the Lord, during which He gave me His heart for America and mantled me for what I now do. Regarding this great but prodigal nation, I have dreamed with Him, wept with Him, and rejoiced with Him. I have traveled millions of miles with Him, praying in every state–most of them multiple times. There are plenty of memories.
I also reflected much further back: my journey has been but one of millions and reflects only a short span of the timeline. I thought about Robert Hunt and company planting the cross at Cape Henry after leaving family and friends behind to face difficult weeks at sea and a new world. Then, about half of the original group died within the first few months, due to a combination of disease and malnutrition. Hunt himself died in the spring of 1608 at roughly 39 years of age. But their legacy lives. I thanked them.
I thought of Jefferson pondering, carefully weighing his words while asking for Divine Providence, as he penned the Declaration. I pictured Hancock signing his name in extra-large letters so old King George could read it without his glasses, and I signed my name next to his. I listened in my heart as Patriot Sam Adams said, “We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and… from the rising to the setting sun, may His kingdom come.” And I worshipped with him.
I thought of George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge, freezing and starving, yet somehow persevering. I pictured this great American Founder kneeling in the snow, appealing to heaven for help and miraculous intervention. I thanked him, and the soldiers as well, then appealed to heaven for America’s full recovery.
I pictured Whitefield, the Wesleys, and Edwards preaching. I envisioned Circuit Riders spending lonely hours riding through rain, snow, freezing cold, and scorching sun to take the gospel to new frontiers. I thought of thousands gathered on the hills of Cane Ridge, KY, listening to powerful messages and being visited by the glory of God. And I imagined William Seymour as he led a history-shaping revival at Azusa Street.
And then I dreamed a little. I imagined a future where the fruit of all these labors experienced another wave of multiplication. Cape Henry’s dedication of this land to the gospel received new life, and the First and Second Great Awakenings multiplied into a Third. The fire of earth-changing evangelists was relit, and a fresh wave of torch-bearers was unleashed throughout America and the world.
I dreamed of a new generation of righteous, God-honoring patriots in our government, seeking His wisdom and direction, just as our Founders did when writing our Constitution. I rang the bell of liberty in my mind and dreamed of another generation of Americans proclaiming Liberty throughout the land, to all the inhabitants thereof.
Then I rededicated myself to the cause, and returned home to continue my journey.
Pray with me:
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to redeem us wayward humans. What an incredible plan. Thank You for involving us in this plan; You save us, then use us to save others! We go from being the problem to becoming part of the solution. You’re amazing.
And thank You for America, a nation raised up to partner with You in this plan. What an honor! And of course, why wouldn’t that nation become the greatest nation in the world?! You blessed us overwhelmingly, and in every way. NO nation has ever been so blessed. All because we honored and partnered with You.
And yet, shockingly, like the prodigal in Scripture, we abandoned You and squandered our inheritance. It’s hard to fathom this rebellion and fall. Yet, in Your great love and mercy, You have said You would restore us, and are doing so! Thank You!
Now, take it all to the next level. Next-level revival, next-level restoration, next-level partnership with You. We ask this in Yeshua’s wonderful name, amen.
Our decree:
America’s rededication has occurred; the fruit now begins.
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This article was originally published at Give Him 15.
