Boom. Thud. Ugh. went my stomach.
But I kept eating, because I was running out the door to a prayer meeting for women around the country, crying out for our nation. Well, I suddenly felt the urgency of prayer. And interestingly enough, that's where my thoughts on the issue turned.
I felt a little sick that weekend every time I remember that he had caved. This man who'd been a rock throughout his life, standing for Biblical truth, defending our Constitutional liberties, fighting for the oppressed and the unborn.
This man who'd been a rock throughout the primary elections, unashamed to associate himself with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and with Christian Americans. Apologizing (in a true, manly, Godly way) to Ben Carson at the debate when he didn't have to. But not apologizing to Trump for accusing him of having "New York values." (I love how he turned that situation on its head and apologized to the people of New York for their inept leaders instead!) And of course, his greatest moment, when he spoke at the Republican Convention, stood tall and unbending, bold and true, charging Republicans to vote their conscience.
Only to cave?
And so anticlimactically?
Sigh.
While he remained silent, while he refused to compromise his beliefs, while he stood beside his own words and actions...while he remained silent (with a silence that spoke a thousand words), he had power. But as soon as he spoke, and cast in his lot with his enemy, America's enemy...as soon as he moved a muscle even, and didn't just STAND firm, as he had always done, he became just another mere mortal, going the way of all flesh. And worse, for the higher one's standards, the farther his relative fall.
But that's ok. Because guess who was exalted in my mind when Ted fell? Jesus Christ. ....WOW, Jesus Christ. The only Man Who never caved. Who obeyed the Father in all things, even unto death. Who remained faithful to His mission--in times of exalted popularity, and even when even His best friends abandoned Him. Who set His face like flint to obey every jot and tittle of His Father's will, and refused to be lured by the end-justifying means offered by His worst enemy (Satan), or placated by false sympathy from His best friend (Peter), or intimidated by the dread in His Own heart (Gethsemane).
Of course, I am all admiration that Ted, or any other true Conservative or strong Christian in public service, has made it this far. I was amazed during the primary elections, at how much they travel, all the speeches and public appearances, having to be nice to people all the time, the interviews...the media! I'm thinking I could handle it for maybe a week, before I had a total public meltdown or slunk away to a cave in Outer Schlabovia, never to be seen again.
My other fresh reminder from all this is the reality of Washington DC. The power of the system. Of the establishment. And of the principalities and powers over that 10-square-mile diamond of a city. My city. [Reflective smile.]
The spiritual forces at work must be very strong indeed. They were when I was there, and it must be even worse now. I saw something of what Washington did to people. And experienced intense spiritual warfare myself. That's where I lost my first job--when I worked on the Hill for a year--yup, that's a story! A story of how power can corrupt even strong Christian leaders. And there's a host of Hill staffers who have their own stories to tell.
That's where I first experienced depression while working and living alone, that I believe was spiritual warfare. That's where I went places and did things I never thought I would, as I experienced the world I'd always been so sheltered from. It was a good experience in many ways, and God has redeemed much, but probably because my parents and others were praying me through.
And I watched others experience Vanity Fair as well. It's not that DC is all bad...I love that city and always will! My city, as I call it. But the temptations are manifold, the relationships can be shallow and conditional (thankfully mine were not), the pace is relentless, and there's a reason the turnover is two years.
I'm not trying to spill my guts here. I just want to remind myself and others who haven't lived there that our leaders are under incredible pressure from all sides.
And...there's something we can do for them. And for ourselves! Something more powerful than all the lobbyists on K Street. Something more powerful than letters and emails and personal visits, than marches and rallies and speeches, than praising or criticizing...though we should still do all these things. ; )
And that is to intercede for them before the King of kings and Lord of lords. The One Who puts down one and exalts another (Psalm 75:7). The One who appoints the authorities of the earth (Romans 13:1). The One in Whose hand is the king's heart, and as rivers of water He turns it wherever He will (Prov 21:1). The One who hardened Pharaoh's heart to show His power, and Who is "able to humble those who walk in pride" (Daniel 4:37). The One Who scoffs at the nations of the earth, their rage and vain plotting (Psalm 2).
Incidentally, praying for our government leaders is the best things we can do for ourselves. Want to lead a quiet and peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way? What is the very first instruction Paul gives his mentee Timothy on what he should do with his church?
That's where I first experienced depression while working and living alone, that I believe was spiritual warfare. That's where I went places and did things I never thought I would, as I experienced the world I'd always been so sheltered from. It was a good experience in many ways, and God has redeemed much, but probably because my parents and others were praying me through.
And I watched others experience Vanity Fair as well. It's not that DC is all bad...I love that city and always will! My city, as I call it. But the temptations are manifold, the relationships can be shallow and conditional (thankfully mine were not), the pace is relentless, and there's a reason the turnover is two years.
I'm not trying to spill my guts here. I just want to remind myself and others who haven't lived there that our leaders are under incredible pressure from all sides.
And...there's something we can do for them. And for ourselves! Something more powerful than all the lobbyists on K Street. Something more powerful than letters and emails and personal visits, than marches and rallies and speeches, than praising or criticizing...though we should still do all these things. ; )
And that is to intercede for them before the King of kings and Lord of lords. The One Who puts down one and exalts another (Psalm 75:7). The One who appoints the authorities of the earth (Romans 13:1). The One in Whose hand is the king's heart, and as rivers of water He turns it wherever He will (Prov 21:1). The One who hardened Pharaoh's heart to show His power, and Who is "able to humble those who walk in pride" (Daniel 4:37). The One Who scoffs at the nations of the earth, their rage and vain plotting (Psalm 2).
Incidentally, praying for our government leaders is the best things we can do for ourselves. Want to lead a quiet and peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way? What is the very first instruction Paul gives his mentee Timothy on what he should do with his church?
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:1-4
I started praying for our government leaders this year--the ones already there, the ones I don't like or agree with--just praying for them out of obedience to God. [Shaking of head, fluttering of eyelids, open mouth, trying to find words, duhh.....no, not while I was praying, but right now.] I was amazed. How. Quickly. Things. Changed.
LOL. No silly, not in the world. In ME!! My hard, unforgiving, stubborn, always-right heart melted for these leaders. Well, maybe melted is a little too dramatic and sappy. But my attitude did a 180. I was free! Free to see them as people and lift them up to God. And of course I have a long way to go (in regular prayer, and in my heart attitude). But there was a definite shift, a blessing of God as a result of sheer obedience. (Motivated, by the way, by God's promise of a peaceful life, which I definitely want for myself, my family, and my nation.)
Thank you, Ted Cruz, and ALL you public servants out there, for trying your best to lead us well, deluded as some of you must be, and human as we all are. God has you in your position for a reason, and I honor you for His sake. I know from experience that "leadership is a fire" and I am trying to add your name in my unique voice to the chorus resounding before the Throne.
What would happen if churches and Christians everywhere were really begging God to help and guide and bless and enlighten our leaders?!
I started praying for our government leaders this year--the ones already there, the ones I don't like or agree with--just praying for them out of obedience to God. [Shaking of head, fluttering of eyelids, open mouth, trying to find words, duhh.....no, not while I was praying, but right now.] I was amazed. How. Quickly. Things. Changed.
LOL. No silly, not in the world. In ME!! My hard, unforgiving, stubborn, always-right heart melted for these leaders. Well, maybe melted is a little too dramatic and sappy. But my attitude did a 180. I was free! Free to see them as people and lift them up to God. And of course I have a long way to go (in regular prayer, and in my heart attitude). But there was a definite shift, a blessing of God as a result of sheer obedience. (Motivated, by the way, by God's promise of a peaceful life, which I definitely want for myself, my family, and my nation.)
Thank you, Ted Cruz, and ALL you public servants out there, for trying your best to lead us well, deluded as some of you must be, and human as we all are. God has you in your position for a reason, and I honor you for His sake. I know from experience that "leadership is a fire" and I am trying to add your name in my unique voice to the chorus resounding before the Throne.
What would happen if churches and Christians everywhere were really begging God to help and guide and bless and enlighten our leaders?!
