As I have watched and read the news concerning all the recent election, inauguration, and post-election activities of a new President over the last several months, the Holy Spirit seems to be stirring a truth in me. Now is the time for Christians to actually rise up and kneel in prayer for our country and the leaders of our nation more than ever before—no matter what our political leanings, ethnicity or gender. Leaders have been selected and it’s the Christian’s responsibility to trust God and pray for those that rise to leadership. The Old Testament reveals that even unpleasant leaders can be God’s servants (Nebuchadnezzer in Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6; 43:10).

I recently read Tim Keller’s book, “Hidden Christmas,” and he made a profound statement. “The lie of the serpent went into our hearts. He said: ‘You need to be in charge of your life. Don’t let anybody else be in charge—including God—because then you won’t be happy. You will miss out on what is best for you!’” Rev. Keller goes on to talk about how we feel that we must be in control in order to eradicate our fears, but in reality, the opposite is true. Only when we die to self and look to a God who is totally in control will we find the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:6-7).

Oftentimes, the desire to be in control spills over into our local church communities as well. We tend to enjoy control and the feeling that we have played a large part in building the Church ourselves at times. The Holy Spirit nudges me about this when I’m guilty of trying to help God—as though He’s too busy with other things to help me! What a small God that would be! Thankfully, the Holy Spirit convicts us when we go against his desires, if we take time to listen. God has called every child of His to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) and James 3:18 (NIV) reveals a promise to us, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” That’s why—more than ever before—it’s time for us to be the people of prayer that God desires.