Scripture Zechariah and how it applies to U.S.

Why is it important to intercede for your nation?In Zechariah 1:15b, our LORD God of Heaven's Armies says, "I was only a little angry with My people, BUT the nations inflicted harm on them far beyond My intentions."If someone had stood in the gap, this passage appears to show us the Mercy that would have been shown to His people. With no restraining force in place, the judgment released was even more than our God of Justice desired-the devil took full advantage of this gap in the wall of safety and security. It went from mere discipline by the Hand of God to abuse from the thief who steals, kills and destroys.If we hold the line in offense, operating in the authority of Christ- rather than merely defending what has been given to us, it puts him on the run. The devil is powerless against the Word of God in your mouth- BUT if we remain quiet and apathetic, we've given our enemy permission to plunder us, our sphere of influence and those we love.Instructions per chapter 8, verse 16 "This is what you must do. Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Don't scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD""Times of mourning are now ended...festivals of joy and celebration. So, love truth and peace"