America in Bible Prophecy

Could a civil war reduce America's influence before the end times?

I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times: Is America in Bible Prophecy? Even when I’ve spoken at prophecy conferences in other nations, people there will often ask about what role, if any, America will play in the end times. 

All agree that the words “America” or “United States” don’t appear in the pages of the Bible. But many point to various places in Scripture where they believe America is referenced. Some of the most popular candidates are Babylon in Revelation 17-18, the unnamed nation in Isaiah 18, the “young lions of Tarshish” in Ezekiel 38, and the ten lost tribes of Israel. I don’t believe any of these candidates are clear enough to make a solid case. The evidence is just too tenuous.

Of course, that leaves us with a nagging question. If America is not mentioned in end-time prophecy, then why? Did God simply decide not to mention the U.S.? Or by the arrival of the end times, will something have happened to reduce America from her place of global influence?