The Hinge

Watercolor by award-winning artist, Donny Finley,
from Jill's storybook: Secrets of Shiloh

"If My people..." (2 Chron. 7:14 NLT)

Rachel hesitated for a moment and then lifted the latch. Rusty hinges moaned in protest as the heavy gates slowly opened. For the first time in months, the sixteen-year-old walked toward Shiloh's antebellum home.

A sharp February wind rocked enormous oaks lining the long driveway. The once manicured grounds now lay hidden under a blanket of brown leaves and tall weeds. Thick ivy climbed past the third story to the gabled roof of the neglected, old house and cracks zigzagged inbetween weathered, stone steps. 

The girl touched the oversized columns flecked with peeling paint. Rivers of tears ran down her cheeks and dripped from the quivering chin.

"You promised the Lord would take care of me, that He would chase after me with His goodness," she cried. "Well, where is His goodness?"1


Our country's once pristine society now lies buried under an immoral rubbish heap. Where is God's goodness? According to His word, God's people are the hinges on which a nation turns back to righteousness. 

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and restore their land." (2 Chron. 7:14 NLT)

O Christian, humble thyself! Pray! Seek the face of Jesus! Let's turn from our wicked ways today! Our tomorrow depends on it.


1 SECRETS OF SHILOH. Jill Watson Glassco, 2013.