The big day arrived! The inauguration of a new President of the United States. Nearly half the populace is joyful, expectant, and eager to see the changes that will take place. The other half of the populace is fearful and have been in tears over the change in direction. What will the policies be, and how will they affect our daily lives? Will the foreign policies lead us into war? Will illegal immigrants be deported? Will there actually be a wall built at the expense of Mexico? Will the newly appointed Supreme Court Justices be true to the Constitution and protect our rights? There are a million questions for which no one has the answers ~ ~ yet....

I would first like to state a personal belief. Mr. Trump did not win the election because of his personality, his speeches, the debates, Russian hacking, or the FBI. As Franklin Graham has said: “It was the hand of God!!” On November 8, 2016, most people assumed Hillary Clinton would easily win the election and never thought Mr. Trump would take the states of Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Wisconsin. It wasn't until around 10:30 p.m. that there was an inkling of an upset. What happened? P-R-A-Y-E-R!! I know there were millions of Christians around the world praying for the outcome—primarily for shaping the Supreme Court for future decades. I stood with six thousand others, in the rain, in Jefferson City as Dr. Graham led us in prayer for our country. God heard, and He answered those prayers!

President Trump has been sworn into office. Now what?? I had read on the Internet that the theme of President Trump's inauguration speech would be “Dream Big.” Although having a “positive” approach and attitude is a good thing, Jesus gave us a warning “parable” in:

Luke 12:15-21: Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Again in:

James 4:13-15:Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

Yes, our “economy” is in trouble (almost $20 trillion in national debt), and there are 96 million people out of the work force, and we want to see improvement (“God willing”). That, however, should not be our priority. As so many of our spiritual leaders have pointed out to us in the last few years, we need to pay attention to God's promise in:

2 Chronicles 7:14: “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

In my 80 years, I have never seen our country so divided—politically, racially, financially, and culturally. Crime and violence are rampant. We've been under terrorist attacks, and our sense of honesty, courtesy, and morality has been lost. We have more enemies internationally, and our “allies” question whether or not we can be trusted. In other words, the “State of the Union” is not encouraging! And, we not only have foreign enemies—we have enemies within. The truth is, we shouldn't be surprised by any of this. Paul warned us in:

2 Timothy 3:1-5: You should know this, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

I'm sure you've noticed all the protesting and confrontation, but don't be fooled. It's not a “Republican-Democrat” force that we're up against. Paul tells us in:

Ephesians 6:11-12: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.

I'm not writing this to “rain on anyone's parade,” but I do want people to face reality and the truth. As Christians, we need not be discouraged because we have that “hope” within us of the Lord's coming, and eternity spent with Him. However, the majority of those around us do not have such hope and are blinded by the world's circumstances. It is for these people that our hearts should be burdened.

I've said all this to say this. If there ever was a time for “fervent Prayer,” it's NOW! I know millions of Christians were praying for the election outcome. I believe God answered those prayers and hit the “pause” button to give us an opportunity to “humble ourselves, pray and seek His face”! We must not “celebrate the victory” and forget who is to be honored and glorified, and sought in diligent prayer. I'd like to make a few suggestions of things to pray for:

1. Pray that God will give President Trump a “humble” heart that will recognize and seek God, that he will ask God for guidance and direction in every decision, and that God will protect him and his family.

2. Pray for Mike Pence and the Cabinet members that they, too, would seek God, and that God would protect their lives.

3. Pray for our Country—that there would be a nationwide revival through which millions of souls would be saved.

4. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem as the Bible instructs us to do. Pray that God will protect them and reveal Himself to them.

5. Pray for “the Church” (the true body of Christ) that it would withstand “apostasy” and remain faithful and true to the Word of God. Pray for our Pastors, and Ministry leaders.

6. Pray you and I will be witnesses of the Gospel, and will be used to reach those who are lost and without hope. Pray for unbelieving family members, friends, and neighbors that they would accept Christ while there is time.

I am only offering suggestions. Please pray as the Holy Spirit leads you ~ But Pray! There is nothing in this world of more value than a human soul. It's not just a matter of “life or death.” It's a matter of “eternal life or eternal death!”

I don't claim to know what 2017 will bring, but I Do know what Jesus promised:

John 14:1-3:“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am”.

#1. “But Moses protested to God…” – Exodus 3:11(a)

#2. “But Moses protested…” – Exodus 3:13(a)

#3. “But Moses protested again…” – Exodus 4:1(a)

#4. “But Moses pleaded with the Lord…” – Exodus 4:10(a)

#5. “But Moses again pleaded, ‘Lord, please! Send anyone else.'”- Exodus 4:13

Here’s Moses, standing before a bush that’s on fire…but not being consumed by the fire…and it’s talking to him, no less!! Once he knows it’s God, he still doesn’t fully trust. Five times, Moses protested, finally pleading to God that He send someone else. Anyone.

We wouldn’t be that mistrusting would we? I mean really if a burning bush is talking to us claiming to be the one true God and calling us to do something, we’d jump right on it, right? Well, my question to you is this…what is God asking you to do? Have you pleaded that

1. what He’s asking of you is too big for you?
2. you’re not qualified?
3. you’re not worthy?
4. you’re too busy?
5. He send someone else?

Guess what? You’re right. To a point. Here’s the thing friend. I was blessed enough to have had my own personal Burning Bush Moment, and I can say from personal experience it’s not as easy as you would think to just jump right in. As I argued with God for six weeks whether or not to start the Upward Sports ministry here at FBCW, I used literally every argument Moses used. And each time, God’s rebuttal put me in my place.

1. Think that what He’s asking of you is too big for you? Yeah…it most likely is. Out of our comfort zone is precisely where God wants us…because when we realize it’s bigger than our ability to do it alone, we have no choice but to call on Him for help…and to give Him the glory afterward. We don’t grow when we’re stagnant and in our comfort zone…physically, mentally or spiritually. To grow in physical strength requires stretching and exercising…pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone. Likewise, to grow spiritually requires a regular stretching and exercising of our faith…walking outside of our comfort zone.

2. Believe you’re not qualified? God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called. All throughout Scripture God uses the least likely people to accomplish His will on earth. You’re not qualified…that’s why He wants you to be the one to do it.

3. Think you’re not worthy? You’re not. None of us is. The God who sent His Son to die a horrible death on the cross doesn’t NEED us to do anything. He WANTS us to serve Him…because we want to, not because we have to.

4. & 5. Asking Him to send someone else? We know Moses had the same thought. I’m sure others have too. But quite simply, if not you, then who? If not now, then when?

Not everyone gets a “burning bush” call from God. And even if you did, would you really believe it was God anyway? Or would you stand there talking back to and arguing with a fiery bush like Moses and I both did? So stop waiting for it, because while God can certainly talk to us through a flaming bush if He wanted to, He sent us His Spirit after Christ’s death on the cross for us. And it’s the Holy Spirit – dwelling within us – that He uses to call to us. All we need do is turn off the distractions of this world and slow down so we can hear Him. And then trust Him to do His part in it all.

So…what is God calling you to do? Are you pleading your case or jumping on board? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Will you pray this prayer with me today?

Gracious and holy Lord, I pray that I can put the worries and distractions of this world aside every day so that I can come into closer fellowship with You. That I can hear the whisper of Your voice on my heart and know with certainty it’s You. I pray, oh God, that when I hear Your call, I would have the courage and passion to follow where You lead me without question. I long to know and follow hard after You. Dwell within my heart, soul and mind that I might always feel Your presence. I pray this in the blessed name of your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.