Sometimes we have an erroneous concept of what it takes to create massive change in our nation. It’s easy to think that the more people we have supporting a revival or reformation, the better chance there is of success, but history does not bear out that theory. The idea of a small number of people making a big difference was brought home to me at a meeting I attended in 2001.
Have you taken your place on the wall?
I received an invitation to meet with a select group of “movers and shakers” on the issue of Western Sahara. The group’s mission is to force Morocco to forfeit one-third of its country to carve out the separate state of Western Sahara. I knew the group’s reputation for political success but was unaware of their communist bent. I expected at least 200 people at the meeting. I assumed everyone present to be wealthy, because as everyone knows, it takes massive amounts of money to finance a successful political movement. They would be politically connected, because they successfully implemented worldwide boycotts, demonstrations, and international policy decisions. They would be members of the political elite of their European countries, mainly Sweden and Norway.
We met at a Greek restaurant in New York City. Once my eyes adjusted to the dark room, I was shocked to see a group of 10 older gentlemen gathered around a table. It was a ragtag group, and most of them were well into their 60s, or older. Several were retired professors. How in the world were they able to upend Morocco and influence the U.S. to go against one of its closest allies in North Africa?
The secret, I found out, was their in-your-face, no-compromise commitment to the cause. This group ate, slept, and drank Western Sahara. As a result, they had made some political friends in Europe and the U.S. Their strategic political connections were carefully targeted individuals of influence whom they purposely befriended and converted to their side. Their long, powerful reach was effective.
It doesn’t take a large number to make a big difference. Samuel Adams, one of America’s Founding Fathers and a leader in the American Revolution, said: “It does not take a majority to prevail … but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”
One of the most significant examples we have is Jesus, Who, with 12 disciples, completely revolutionized the world, not just in His own lifetime, but also for some 2,000-plus years afterward. We experience daily His transformational power in every aspect of our lives, politically and religiously.
It is possible for a small group of people to completely transform a nation, or, in many cases, to transform some cultural aspect of a country, such as reversing our stand on abortion, or changing the entire educational system. All it takes is that “irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”
May we all set “brushfires of freedom” and change history!
Here is how we can pray:
… If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:29–31 NIV).
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NIV).
Share your prayers for freedom in our nation below.
Nancy Huff is an educator with a mission to equip believers to pray strategically for the cultural mountain of education. She is author of Taking the Mountain of Education: A Strategic Prayer Guide to Transform American Schools. She leads groups for prayer at key educational locations across the U.S. Currently, Nancy serves as lead prayer coordinator for the mountain of education at the Heartland Apostolic Prayer Network (HAPN). Find out more by visiting https://takingthemountainofeducation.com/author/nancyahuff/. Photo credit: Canva.