Godly Influence in Government

Godly Influence in Government
By
Germaine Copeland

     The framed embroidered piece of country artwork sitting on my dressing table is a constant call to prayer. The words explode before my eyes:

Have you prayed about it yet?     The possibilities of prayer are unlimited. Prayer reaches from one human being, one home, to nations. In the Book of Ephesians Paul wrote: God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Prayer is all-inclusive – there is no time or space that escapes the power of prayer.
The Church of Jesus Christ is the enforcer of His triumphant victory at the cross. Historically, religion has attempted to enforce her doctrines with rules and regulations without the compassion that shapes history through prayer. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty through God. His banner over us is LOVE and Jesus said that we shall be known by our love for one another. Our unity born of love gives the world hope.

Have you prayed about it yet?     For 2000 years we’ve tried to get it right – to find the right balance. Jesus intended for His Body to be one even as He and the Father are One. He decreed that we would be Salt and Light in a crooked and perverse generation. What good are we if the salt has lost its savor and we have hidden our light under a bushel? Are we interceding with thanksgiving or worrying and complaining?
Where are the God-ordained leaders? According to Webster’s dictionary, a leader is a person who has commanding authority or influence; a guide or conductor. Leaders have the opportunity and a great deal of power to guide others and change things. The leader’s sphere of influence is far-reaching – helping form society’s way of thinking and culture.
Each generation looks for leaders and statesmen who will bring about positive changes in the nation. Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan are examples of leaders whose influence continue even after their deaths. Rev. Billy Graham is a ministry leader who has influenced presidents and world leaders, and His influence will live on after his death.
Do you desire leaders who will pray seeking the face of God and also surround themselves with wise counsel? Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Prov. 11:15 AMP)

Have you prayed about it yet?     Throughout the Old Testament and history we have examples of those who prayed. Moses led a nation out of bondage. Joseph preserved nations during a time of world famine. Over the centuries God-fearing leaders replaced unrighteous government leaders and nations were changed.
In my lifetime people have prayed and God worked His plan. In the book, Rees Howells Intercessor, he documented how battles shifted in the Second World War as a result of intense prayer by the church. After the Second World War Communism began to spread as Russia overran surrounding nations. BUT GOD! In the ’60’s and ’70’s prayer ministries were formed for the purpose of establishing God’s will by pulling down the enemy’s plot. Christian leaders spoke out.
In June of 1979, Pope John Paul II said: The exclusion of Christ from the history of man is an act against man. One of the most important events of the last half of the twentieth century occurred when the Iron Curtain came down.
Today America is threatened by violence and the spirit of anti-Christ is heard loud and clear. Once again we are in need of a spiritual revolution, and it will take government, church and business leaders working together to reverse the downward spiral we are on. Jesus said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
This present election is crucial. May we not bury our heads in the sand and say that the anti-Christ cannot ascend into power. He will not be defeated with natural, physiological methods. The church stayed out of politics. Abortion was legalized; homosexual marriages are taking place, abuse of children is heard throughout the land and lewdness is becoming more prevalent. There is an all out attack against women and children. The enemy must be stopped!

Have you prayed about it yet?     LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. (Romans 13:1 AMP)
Pastors and ministry leaders teach your people who they are in Christ-Jesus that the eyes of their understanding might be opened even as Paul prayed in the first chapter of Ephesians. I believe that the church is a sleeping giant who is gaining understanding of the God-given power, and authority to overthrow despotisms, powers, master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness and the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. (Read Ephesians 1 and 6)
Awake to righteousness, Church of the Living God, arise and pray with compassion and integrity. God is our Exceeding Great Hope; nothing is impossible with God and nothing is impossible to the one who believes. In faith ask for governing authorities according to God’s will.
If God’s people pray He will raise up leaders who take responsibility for their own actions, repair and improve the spiritual, social and emotional climate; God-fearing leaders who will be an example to present and future generations.

Intercessors, let us not grow weary in well-doing, but press through to victory. If God be for us who can be against us?

Pastors, take a moment now where you are to consider opening the doors of the church for a time of dedicated prayer. A time of prayer for the upcoming election that will impact our nation in months to come and affect the future of our children and our nation.

Have you prayed about it yet?Sir Thomas Buxton wrote: You know the value of prayer;
it is precious beyond all price. Never, never neglect it.Copyright© Germaine Copeland 2008
www.prayers.org

Sources:

© Operation World 2001
With thanks to Dawn Ministries and Operation World
Hosted by 24-7Prayer.com, Edited by Eloise Armstrong
This information is only about 20% of what is available in the ‘Operation World’ book and CD-ROM.
To find out more click here, to buy the book click here.

---

Germaine Copeland is the author of the best selling book series, Prayers That Avail Much. She has written scriptural prayers for the family. Read your Bible, pray and attend church where you can soak up the love and faith of God. You will receive emotional healing, experience spiritual growth and become more intimately acquainted with your Heavenly Father, and your relationships will grow stronger.