Pray for the President

Posted on November 9, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

I didn’t ask if you like him personally or not. Neither did I ask if you espouse the direction he is heading our country. Obey the Word and pray for him.

Rom. 13:1-7 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God… Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”

Dan. 2:20,21 … “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his and he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings…”

Prov. 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the he and of the Lord, as the rivers of water; He turns it however He will.”

Habakkuk 1:5-11 is a prophecy in which God relates His intention to raise up Babylon, a “ruthless” and “dreaded” nation, to achieve His purpose. This raises the question, Does God sometimes use evil people or countries to accomplish His plans?

There is an important distinction to be made between God controlling evil and God creating evil. God is not the author of sin, but He can use sinful men to attain an objective.

The problem in Habakkuk is that God was using the Babylonians (an evil people) to accomplish His will. In the end, Habakkuk could only acknowledge the Lord’s perfect wisdom; the prophet ends with a song of praise in chapter 3.

We may struggle with questions about God’s methods as Habakkuk did. How God chooses to operate is up to Him. At times, He intervenes miraculously. Other times, He works behind the scenes. And, yes, God may even allow a certain measure of freedom to evil forces in our world to bring about His design. Like Habakkuk, if we view life from God’s perspective, our response will be to worship the Lord, knowing He is in control of all things.

God also used Pharaoh. Note these interesting verses: “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth” (Romans 9:17, 19).

Please follow my train of thought:

1. The Bible is very specific in prophecy indicating which nations will be at war in the Battle of Armageddon. My observation is that the United States cannot in any way, shape or form be identified as one of the participants. Presently the USA is probably the most powerful nation on earth. How could we not be involved? What happened to us?
2. Since God is in control of nations, and we seem to be a non-factor, who was our leader at the time? Was he/she a wise leader or a foolish leader?
3. If God is in control and His plan is for the USA to not be involved in the end-time conflict, will it be a “wicked” leader who puts us on that path?
4. Therefore, if our president is leading us to spiritual growth and economic prosperity, we should pray for him/her. On the other hand, if he/she is a “bad” leader we should also pray for him/her. God sets up kings!
5. So either way, pray for our president!

All this to say…God is sovereign over everything. First, if we are not acting foolishly or sinfully we can relax. Second, God is not surprised by anything. Third, God is in control of everything. Fourth, we know we have exactly what God wants us to have at any given moment.

Written by Rev. Neil Fitchthorn Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.

The Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 26 , Mark 14 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “The proper function of government is to make it easy for people to do good, and difficult for them to do evil.” -William Gladstone

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. — Acts 2:26