I stayed up late last night to write a long piece about this election. A friend of mine wrote a piece on Facebook and I was inspired by her courage. I need to speak up. Christians need to know how I feel, who I was voting for and why. I am overwhelmed with America’s desperate situation. I wonder daily if God wants me to use my talents to help and if so – how?
I closed my computer and decided to post after a night’s sleep. I said a small quick prayer for God’s guidance and crawled in bed. When I woke, I grabbed my laptop. Before I could lift the lid the thought came to me, “Don’t lift the lid. Pray for guidance first.”
I bowed my head ready to spout a few words so I could hurry on to the task at hand. But something wasn’t right. I felt compelled to be still and wait. It was one of those quiet yet electrifying moments. Without a word tears began to drip down my face. I am rarely speechless when I pray. Thoughts run easily through my head. But today I “felt the silence”. My only thoughts were the soft, slow voice of the master. “You don’t trust me. Pray. Pray without ceasing. Trust me, obey me and Pray.”
I couldn’t respond. I felt convicted. I felt ashamed.
I have prayed for this election, but I’ll admit they were not powerful prayers. They have been mostly demanding prayers. Prayers of petition and a desire to tell God how to help us. “Please God, don’t let this or that happen. Please God, don’t allow this person to win. Are you paying attention to the corruption? Please God, think of my grandchildren. God…hello? Are you listening?”
This morning I was struck with the power of His words – “You don’t trust me.” How could that be? I read my Bible and pray. I trust God in that I know we don’t have a chance without him. I trust God because there is no where else to go. And yet…..like so many others, I still struggle with my own fears and wonder what the future will hold. Every prayer hides the nervous twitters in my stomach.
Have you prayed for God’s will in this election? Have you felt his power? Would you hang on to your preferred candidate if you knew it wasn’t God’s will? Have you said a little prayer here and a longer one there? Are you still afraid, still angry, still frustrated, still wondering if this is the end time and still not sure there is anything we can do to stop this train wreck from happening?
I understand. Me too.
What if the next 26 days are part of God’s design to bring his children together? What if we are to witness his power in a miraculous way? What if we are the Christian force that will change the course of this country? What if God wants us to hang on the side of the mountain and watch his fiery finger write our history forever in stone? Would you still rush through your prayers if you knew praying would make a difference?
Am I saying we shouldn’t talk about the issues or do all we can to make an intelligent choice? Of course not.
If however, we begin our political work or our conversations without praying first – nothing we do will matter. We MUST have the hand of God on this country for the next 26 days or we run the risk of God turning his back on America.
Will you join me in prayer? Will you ask others to join us?
Don’t pray for two minutes while brushing your teeth – pray every moment of every part of your day. Pray while washing dishes. Pray while waiting in the elevator. Pray while waiting for the kids to exit the school. Ask your children to pray with you while riding in the car. Turn the TV off and pray. Get on your knees and pray before going to bed. Don’t accept a two minute prayer at the close of church services. Get on your knees and stay for a while. Pray for God’s power to be shown all across this land. Show God by your actions and your commitment that you want Him to guide this election.
Keep this powerful theme in the forefront of your daily activities. “God please forgive us for our sinful desires. Please teach us to be more of what you want us to be. Please bring revival to America. I trust you to place your hand on this election and show me who to vote for. I promise to vote for your candidate even if it’s not the one I currently support. I trust you to show others who you want them to vote for. Please take over. May your will be done. Protect us and give us one last opportunity to show your love to others. Bring Revival to America.”
When you share your opinions on Facebook – pray that type of prayer.
When you share your opinions with friends – pray that type of prayer.
No matter how you feel, trust God to use all of his power and do what is right for this country.
Anything less than trusting his power means you really don’t believe he can do anything.
And if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land…
2 Chronicles 7:14
Meet me here tomorrow and let’s pray together.
God bless America.