Hill Urges Call to Prayer for Upcoming U.S. Elections
Cleveland, TN–Church of God General Overseer Timothy M. Hill offered the following comments on the political process in the United States:
“With less than 30 days until November 8 and the 2016 General Elections, the Church of God and our adherents cannot ignore – and must not ignore – that we as the Church must play a vital part in the political process if we are going to impact the social challenges facing our nation – and our world. Therefore, I am encouraging the folks that sit in Church of God congregations week after week to be engaged in the political process and to spend the next 30 days in concentrated prayer for the future of our country. As I offer this call to prayer, I must make it clear that my primary aim is not endorsement but prayerful intercession.
As a vital part of the Body of Christ, we must recognize that the Church and what we stand for holds the message of hope, justice, unity and peace that should be spread to our communities and around our nation. As the Church, we should lead through actions and words, enriching the ethical values and principles our nation was founded upon. And we must be bold and forthright, constructive and innovative, but most importantly, we have to be “salt and light” to the world, bringing life and vitality to what often seems to be a world without focus or direction.
There is no doubt that God’s plans and purposes are inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government, nor any man or woman, can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). According to Scripture, it is God who takes down leaders and raises up others (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). And while men and women may abuse and misuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things … for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
So I personally call upon the ministers, members, and adherents of the Church of God in the United States to spend time in prayer each and every day between now and the upcoming elections praying for the future of our country. I earnestly ask that you pray for all our political leaders, candidates, and governmental authority figures, praying the guidance and wisdom of God over each of them, recognizing the admonition from 1 Timothy 2:1-2 in that “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
While not all of us are called to political office, we do have an important role to play and it begins with prayer, knowledge, and discernment. Therefore, I encourage us all to recognize the great privilege we have of living in a democratic country in which we have the right to cast our ballot for the candidates of our choice. Simply put, I encourage everyone to participate in the political process and get out and vote.”
