Prayer warriors targeted the 2012 U.S. presidential elections with a fervent spirit and faith to see America return to God. From churches to houses of prayer to solemn assemblies—petitions for a leader who would govern our nation according to the Judeo-Christian values upon which it was founded went forth day and night.

Although I didn’t literally see anyone in sackcloth and ashes, I saw thousands rending their hearts instead of their garments. I witnessed the remnant in deep repentance over the sins of our nation. I watched as denominations, races and ethnicities united together with no other agenda beyond walking out 2 Chronicles 7:14.

And yet we woke up this morning with a president who strongly supports legalized abortion on demand and same-sex marriage. Some may be asking, “How can this be? We humbled ourselves. We prayed. We sought His face …” Second Chronicles assures us that if we do those things He will hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land. Yes, but that Scripture doesn’t promise healing begins by replacing a pro-gay, pro-abortion president with a moderate Mormon who happens to ascribe to strong family values.

Was All the Prayer in Vain?
I could not vote for President Obamabecause I could not in good conscience vote for a candidate who supports abortion and same-sex marriage—and I have to stand for Israel. I voted for Gov. Romney—even though I’ve had intimate experiences with the cultish deceptive theologies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints—because his moral convictions are closer to my own. Clearly, Romney was not God’s sovereign plan for America in this hour.

Still, it pleased the Father that we cried out for governmental leadership that would lead us according to morality and holiness. I believe that’s what He wants us to do—to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. But we know that there is no authority except from God, and God appoints the authorities that exist (see Romans 13:1). And despite our impassioned cries for a pro-family, pro-life president, we see a different result.

Does that mean the day-and-night prayer was in vain? Hardly. Those prayers were seed that will lead to a great harvest of answers in God’s timing. John put it this way: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14). God heard our prayers and He is answering them.

I believe it is God’s will for America to be governed by a leader who stands for righteousness. Of course, we also have to keep Isaiah 55:6-7, among other Scriptures, in mind:

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Election Day didn't end as many of us hoped. But God is still in control. He is still the God of America. He has a plan. Romans 8:28 is still true.

One Step Closer to Revival
Yes, I believe God heard our prayers for America. I believe He is answering us. I believe it’s going to get darker before the light shines brightly in this nation again. But I believe that we are one step closer to the prophesied Third Great Awakening. I believe we need to keep praying and not lose heart. Ultimately it’s not about our safety and prosperity. God will take care of us. God delivered Noah and his family from the flood. He delivered Lot and his family from Sodom before it was left in ashes. God is going to deliver His faithful ones, even if it means facing persecution first.

Peter put it this way: “So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day” (2 Peter 2:9, The Message). Even when the plagues were harassing Egypt and the land was in darkness, there was a light in Goshen.

I believe we need to stop worrying about ourselves. I believe we need to continue repenting and continue interceding for this nation. But I also believe we need pray over the lost souls, the final harvest. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2). Jesus is coming back soon. Amen.

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