Are God’s People Giving Up?

Have you ever felt the Scriptures’ living power pierce through your soul and spirit, revealing a less-than-godly attitude? Conviction and repentance filled my heart recently as a minister shared God’s Word.

Dr. Randy Foret of Family Research Council (FRC) spoke in our city. He began by encouraging us to pray for those in authority.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2

God’s Word pricked my willful heart’s failure to pray for elected officials. Who was I to decide that ungodly circumstances justified my silence? How could deception blind me to the truth?

The King’s Heart

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

Proverbs 21:1

“God chooses to use His people in everything He wants to accomplish on the planet,” Dr. Foret explained.

But if we think something is impossible for the Lord to do and give up, God will not override our free will decision to do nothing. He gave us dominion on this earth. But if we abandon our spiritual authority, the adversary is only too happy to fill in the seat we left vacant.

Instead of praying for elected officials, I was criticizing them.

“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”

James 3:10

Holy Scriptures on the lips of believers unleash God’s power on the earth. On the other hand, cursing and criticism empower the slanderous god of this world. He replaces truth with lies, humility with pride, harmony with strife, and peace with chaos.

Too Difficult for the Lord?

Is turning a ruler’s heart too difficult for the Lord? He’s done so throughout history.

• Pharaoh set Joseph over the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41)
• God turned Manasseh’s wicked heart to the point of ordering Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel. (2 Chronicles 33)
• Nebuchadnezzar turned from idolatry to worship God and even wrote a section of Scripture (Daniel 4).
• The kings Cyrus (Ezra 1), Darius (Ezra 6), and Artaxerxes (Ezra 7) commanded the rebuilding of the temple and the Israelites’ return to Jerusalem, despite their evil counselors.

As Dr. Foret reminded us, “We are here to be a part of the solution. Through us, God can bring about a change.” Another stab to my heart. My criticism made me a part of the problem instead of the solution. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit convicting me of sin and God’s merciful call to repentance and forgiveness.

“We are in the showdown of the ages,” said Randy. “And in a showdown, God shows off. God has raised us up for such a time as this.”

God Hears from Heaven

Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” He gave us the authority to do so.

It’s so simple. No matter what the circumstances are, no matter how impossible the problems may seem, we, as God’s children, can pray to our Heavenly Father who hears our cry.

Do those of us who are parents love our children more than God loves His? As we want to answer our children’s cries, wouldn’t God do so much more? If we have any doubt, we can read Psalm 18.

It’s simple, but I was tempted to think it couldn’t be done. Now my conviction is strengthened that with God, all things are possible. I will pray for those in authority, and I believe God will move in ways far beyond anything I can ask or think.

Will you agree in prayer with me? Our God is so good. I praise Him for the solution – even before I see it – because He is able and willing to bring it to pass as only He can.