With our presidential election just around the corner, I feel inclined to write a few words of encouragement.

First, we are all aware of the importance of prayer for our elected officials. America was founded on Christian principles, and we need to pray that God strategically places certain individuals in office to offset those who do not abide by such principles.

I already know that according to the Bible, our circumstances are not going to get better before Jesus returns for his people; thus, we are likely going to live under the authority of some pretty immoral leaders in the meantime.

This is why it is so important to pray that God will raise up men and women who will be a strong voice of truth in the midst of the corruption.

Prayer works.

It may not cause us to have a solid Christian president, but it may allow us to be protected regardless of his debauched decisions.

It may also allow bills to pass that will grant Christians some fantastic victories. After all, the Texas Sonogram Bill that passed last year will save thousands of babies because their moms must first view a sonogram before they can have an abortion.

This victory is such an encouragement to me because I am reminded that God still sits on the throne- even when we live in a corrupt society.

Yes, there are terribly immoral things going on all around us. Bills are continually being passed that permit acts that completely contradict scripture. 

But God does reign. 

He knew all of these things would come to pass before Jesus returned. Nothing surprises him. 

In John 12:31-32, Jesus said, “ Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself.” (NKJV)

Right now, Satan is allowed to rule the world. But, it is all a part of God’s plan and only for a time. When Jesus returns, Satan will be cast out permanently.

Until then, we will have to contend with some pretty ugly circumstances.

But amazing things always happen even during the darkest times. People tend to be more willing to listen to God’s truth when they have no other place to turn...and God always shows himself faithful and prevails in the bleakest of conditions.

This is why we need to be a praying people. 

Sometime last year, God placed it on my heart to lift up his people every day when I pray. 

In Genesis 12:2-3, God told Abraham (then Abram), “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you

And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (NKJV)

I firmly believe this passage is the reason the United States originally became a protector of Israel, and, I believe that this is why the United States has been a prosperous and protected nation.

However, if and when we take away our support and protection of Israel, I have no doubt God will remove his blessing from us.

For this reason, it is imperative to pray that God raises up leaders who will make the decision to continue supporting God’s people.

As important as it is to pray for God to place men and women in leadership positions who will stand firm on Christian values, I believe it is even more important for us to pray for him to protect our country by electing leaders who will protect his country.

I don’t know about you, but I do not want to find out what it will look like to have his protection removed...or worse yet, for us to be cursed.

We already know that there are entire nations who hate the United States and Israel and want nothing more than to wipe us off the map.

I’m not trying to convey doom and gloom, but biblically speaking, we need to realize that though God’s hand will ultimately protect Israel, we are not given that same promise for America.

This said, it is imperative that we pray for God to protect us in the midst of the trials that are to come.

We will likely not see American values improve before Jesus returns. God tells us the that the last days will bring corruption.

But, we might see God place people in office who can do some mighty things to further his kingdom and convey truth during these trying times.

Though Matthew 24:36 tells us that no one knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return (it could be two hours or 2,000 more years), we only have to look as far as the daily news to see how God’s prophetic words are playing out in the world.

Therefore, it has never been more important than it is right now to pray for God to give us leaders who will have wisdom, Christian values and courage to speak truth as we walk through the days ahead.

I hope that you will pray along with me that God, in his mercy, will preserve those of us who can make a huge impact on eternity as we walk through this time in history.

Remember, that as much depravation as we see in America, we also have many wonderful Christian leaders and resources God desires to use to begin revival and fulfill his commission.

My desire is to be one of God’s chosen people who will make an impact on this fallen world until my Savior comes. I hope your desire is the same.

If it is, I hope you will begin will faithful prayer for our nation. From there, God may use you to do the miraculous!

Misty Shultz holds master’s degrees in marriage and family counseling and Christian education. She can be reached at mmshultz_7@hotmail.com.