With another round of elections behind us, we commit ourselves to pray for our leaders, including those with whom we have disagreements. Paul’s command to Timothy (1 Tim. 2:1-4) included constant prayer, and even thanksgiving, for all national leaders. These commands are especially noteworthy as we realize the tyranny that the Roman world inflicted upon both Jewish and Christian people 2,000 years ago.
Furthermore, Romans 13:1 teaches: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Many times such prayers, thanksgivings and submissions are difficult, especially when we are unhappy with our governing authorities. Yet, the lesson is clear: Our submission to governing authorities is a submission to God, who remains as Lord of all – and the command remains regardless of the spiritual condition of our leaders.
We must pray, because God still changes circumstances and people’s hearts for his purposes. He uses both the willing and the unwilling leader to accomplish his plans.
In recent years, some Christians had hoped that, with the right government leaders, revival would sweep our land. It has not happened. Can revival come in the next four years with a new President? Certainly – if we, the church, repentantly seek God’s face and earnestly pray as God commands.
Revival comes because of God’s people, but that should not stop us from praying for revival for our leaders. Proverbs 21:1 says that “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Pray that God would move in the lives of our national leaders, but remember that revival is not dependent upon them.
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