A Nation At War With Itself
By Dr. Sherri Tenpenny / Year End 2025
Matthew 12:25 (HCSB), “Knowing their thoughts, Jesus told them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.’”
There are moments in history when people slowly become aware of what is truly happening around them. Today is one of those moments. For years, the cracks in our Republic have been widening. The battles were waged quietly at first — in courtrooms, boardrooms, classrooms, and on university campuses. But now, the conflict is clearly visible. It has poured out into the streets of our cities. America is at war with itself.
The legacy media refer to it as “political unrest” or “federal overreach.” Some shrug and say it’s nothing new — just more partisan sound bites and position bickering. But look closer. Federal troops are being readied as the President contemplates invoking the Insurrection Act.
Signed into law in 1807 by Thomas Jefferson, the Insurrection Act grants the U.S. President authority to deploy federal troops within the United States to suppress civil disorder when State authorities are unable or unwilling to stop violent uprisings and protect their citizens’ constitutional rights. It can also be invoked in cases of rebellion against federal authority.
What many may not realize is that the Insurrection Act has been invoked approximately two dozen times over its nearly 220-year history to enforce civil rights issues, address large-scale riots, and quell active rebellions against federal law.
Citizens in Chicago, Portland, Memphis, and Los Angeles are openly defying Washington, vowing not to comply with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations. They are openly revolting against a federal presence in their cities. Governors are squaring off with the White House. Mayors are accused of treason while peace-abiding citizens are watching from behind closed doors, wonder what is happening to the country they once knew.
This is not simply another season of sharp words and slogans used in the upcoming elections. This is deeper. The dividing lines are not just red versus blue, left versus right. They are spiritual lines drawn across the soul of this nation. Many Americans are just starting to come to grips with the fact that on many levels, we are already in a civil war.
Chicago and Beyond
Chicago has become a flashpoint of this conflict. Mayor Brandon Johnson has declared that “his city” will not cooperate with federal immigration forces. He frames it as defending the vulnerable; Washington frames it as rebellion as many people per week are shot in the streets. President Trump has responded with threats of jailing leaders who refuse to comply, casting the struggle as law versus lawlessness.
But Chicago is not alone. Other major cities are drawing their own boundaries against federal action, and the violence seems to be bubbling to the surface in other major population centers as well. Most Americans stand shoulder to shoulder with Washington, calling for stronger measures, tighter control, and tougher enforcement to restore peace and civil order. Fear and anger are palpable across the country.
This tug-of-war is not happening in a vacuum. It plays out in headlines and press conferences at the federal level, as well as in local neighborhoods, schools, and churches. It reaches into family dinner tables where loved ones no longer speak about politics due to the social divide. It seeps into workplaces where one careless comment can end a career. People from all walks of life are asking, “Where is my tribe? Who can we trust?”
A Spiritual War Disguised as Politics
This battle is not just about policy. The divide is spiritual. Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
What we are witnessing in America is not merely a clash of parties. It is a war between truth and deception, light and darkness, good and evil. Division is the favorite weapon of the Enemy of our souls. He pits brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, child against parent. His desire is to confuse, to scatter, to wear us down until we surrender what is most precious: our freedom, our future, and sadly for many, our faith.
And yet, the Word of God in John 1:5 (HSCB) gives us hope: “Light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” This is one of Scripture’s most profound statements of hope and spiritual victory: darkness can resist, but it cannot win.
Why Parents Must Be Guides and Mentors
If there has been a time for parents to open their eyes and BE PARENTS, it is now. The battle for the next generation begins at birth. The evil forces double down on toddlers through videos they watch, the toys they play with, and laws that dictate the number of poisons injected into their bodies.
It is tempting in times like these to retreat. We want to close the blinds, lock the doors, and pray for the storm to pass. But Scripture never called God’s people to hide in fear. We are called to stand.
Standing may look different for each of us. For one family, it means refusing to compromise on what is taught at home. For another, it means speaking truth in the workplace. For others, it may mean running for a local office, defending the Constitution in court, or boldly proclaiming the gospel in the streets. It means not allowing your pre-teen to run in circles that lead them astray. When your high-schooler is doing something unethical, immoral, or violent, it’s your job to correct them. It’s not only OK to do so, it’s mandatory for their future.
Parents, you must be strong. Grandparents, your prayers are not optional. We must cover our children with the blood of Jesus for protection. We must raise them with love and anchor them in the Word of God. Because in a world that calls evil good and good evil, only the truth of our Lord can hold them steady.
The Final Word
America is being shaken to her core. The question is not whether the battle is coming. It is here. Some call it politics. Some call it progress. I call it what it is: a nation at war with itself. However, this war will not be won through changing policies. It will be won — or lost — in the hearts of the people. The question is: on what foundation will you stand? We are not powerless. We are not without hope. For the same God who parted the seas, who brought down giants, who raised the dead — He is with us. And no darkness can overcome His light.
Now is the time to draw near to God with the full force of your being. Now is the time to pray as though your children’s future depends on it — because it does. Now is the time to prepare your heart, your home, and your spirit for whatever lies ahead. Hold fast. Stand strong. And remember: history is being written right now, and eternity will testify whose side you stood on. Remember what Paul said in Philippians (1:27 – NASB): “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, we bow before You today with heavy hearts for our nation. We see the confusion and the anger. We feel the fear. We see families torn apart, cities in turmoil, and leaders speaking words of division. And we confess: we cannot fix this in our own strength.
So we come to You. We ask that the Holy Spirit cover our children and grandchildren with You’re holy protection. May Archangel Michael guard their minds from lies, guard their hearts from fear, guard their steps from destruction. We ask for courage to stand up and speak out when silence feels safer. Give us boldness for truth, even when the world calls us foolish.
We ask for wisdom in the chaos. Teach us to hear Your voice above the noise of the media, the politicians, and the culture. We ask for protection over our homes, our place of work, our churches, and our land. Send Your angels to surround us. Let no weapon formed against us prosper. Lord, may we be found faithful, even in the fire. And when history looks back on this moment, may it be said that Your people did not shrink back, but pressed forward with hope. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Categories: Contributors