Op-Ed by Judith Niewiadomski
A New Administration: So What Do We Do Now?
We have a new President and a new administration. Some of us are elated; some of us are cautiously optimistic; some of us are enraged or distraught with fear.
If you haven’t prayed before, start now. Prayer is not mindlessly repetitive nor passive but a strong, focused, and bold claiming of the promises of God, putting you in partnership with Him.
Here is what the Word of God says: 1Timothy 2:1-5 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
Watch the video of Rev. Lorenzo Sewell’s prayer as an example, and read the first chapter of Ephesians, part of which is a prayer. Pray that the President can see through the BS and the clamoring partisans and discern the right decision to make in every situation, a decision that is best for America and consistent with our foundational and Constitutional principles. Pray that he and his administration are physically safe, that his advisors remember their place as public servants and work in the light of that responsibility and commitment—that they are given a trust and the resources are not theirs to do with as they wish, but belong to the people and must be stewarded.
It is right to deport lawbreakers—-it is against federal law (of every country) to break in illegally. It violates our sovereignty and private property. The President is responsible to enforce the laws and provide for the common defense. The chaos on the border, thousands swamping ranches and breaking through barriers and stampeding over the Border Patrol has never been seen in American history—riot multiplied exponentially by invading aliens. Pray that the President Trump and his administration find the strategies to protect the rights, lives and property of American citizens and LEGAL residents as the Constitution requires. Pray for his and his cabinet’s physical, mental and spiritual safety and the same for our law enforcement and military.
Prayer brings you in partnership with God, above the limitations of the world. Here’s how to pray for your own concerns and needs: Philippians: 4:6-8 “Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. “ Choosing what you will think and reaching out to God via prayer will comfort your heart and quench your anxiety.
Both sections of scripture—Timothy, relating to leadership, and Philippians, focused on personal need, show four aspects of prayer: prayer, supplication, requests and thanksgiving.
Prayer in the Greek is proseuche, which focuses on the ability of God. Supplication is deesis, which focuses on your need. Requests is aitema, a specific petition for a particular thing. God promises to always meet your needs, (Philippians 4:19) but remember, the how is up to Him. Thanksgiving is an attitude of heart and mind that empowers you to succeed. Being thankful for what God has already done for you, enables you to believe for what you are praying about.
Genesis 37-47 shows the example of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers. But because of his love for God and diligence to do what was right in the sight of God, he did not give in to despair nor see himself as a victim. He led and served even in prison. Ultimately, he became second in command in the nation of Egypt, saved it and his family from a 7 year famine, and made Egypt the wealthiest nation in the world at that time. With God, all things are possible no matter where you start from.
Pray for men and women with a mind to work who will develop their talents to serve US, men and women in whom the spirit of God is—and who know how to operate it. You can be such a one in your own sphere of influence.
Government is not your sufficiency, government is not your provider, God is. Looking to government first makes it an idol and idols get you nothing but trouble. So look up to the God whose wisdom is infinitely diversified and able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think.
Judith Niewiadomski, Yonkers
