I saw a waterfall. Powerful, loud. The cascade of water fell from high and it crashed on the rock below. It fed into a large pool of blue, and bits of foam flew as it churned.
I knew the waterfall represented the power of God.
As I looked on and listened to the magnificent display I compared it to God’s hand at work in our lives. Although the sheet of rushing liquid looked like a single action, it actually consisted of millions of drops combined, billions of water molecules, trillions of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. In other words, more was going on than met the eye. The water fell, but it wasn’t just that simple.
In between the shimmering cascades I glimpsed the space behind the waterfall, and in my vision I went there, drawn by the tranquility of the cleft. As I entered the hidden room behind the magnificent water wall I realized something immediately. It was quiet there. I could hear the stillness. My ears no longer roared with the noise outside.
I realized then that I had been drawn in, closer to the presence of God, to hear His voice, to know His will.
I had asked to hear the Lord’s voice for what I should pray, and in the quietness of my minivan, on my morning commute, I heard from Him. In the quiet space, behind the water, drawn to His presence, I felt the Lord ask me to pray for the president. I knew it had to be God because I had not been a fan of the Commander in Chief recently. The harsh words of the POTUS hurt my heart, and his actions this year often made me wince. Even though I agreed with so much of the Republican Party’s policy, the un-Christ-like behavior of its leader had made it difficult for me to rally behind him.
I don’t want this to be a political post, but I couldn’t think of how to share my thoughts without being honest about the specifics. Instead of having your feathers ruffled or jumping to Trump’s defense, just try and hear me out until the end.
As the Lord led me to pray for the POTUS, I remembered some things that are easy to forget. For one, even when people don’t act like it, the fact remains that they are image-bearers. We are all made in His image, His children, and dearly loved by the Father. Regardless of our mistakes. That is grace. It didn’t mean we shouldn’t be held to high standards, or a certain behavior maintained for a certain position, but it did mean I couldn’t forget how the people that I disagree with, still mattered immensely to God. Secondly, there was the waterfall.
God worked a lot like that waterfall. He was so big, powerful, and multifaceted; we couldn’t see all the parts of His work. We couldn’t fathom each piece of His plan. All I felt in that moment was that I needed to press in close, behind the scene. I needed to get away from the noise of the outside and seek His inner heart. Although it wasn’t what I expected, or what I would have chosen on my own, I felt strongly the Lord impress to me that it was His desire for Trump to be the President. Like, He wanted him there.
Then I felt like he wouldn’t be elected in November, though. I can’t really say I understood that at first. From what I know, God’s will always prevails, right? I’ve prayed about this, and still feel the same about it. I guess the best way to describe it is, I felt it impressed to me that it was God’s desire for Trump to be in the office, but He would allow that not to happen. I don’t know what that means for our future, but I do know that God works like that waterfall. It was God’s will that I marry my husband, Ben, but God allowed me to make a wrong decision and marry another man first (before it ended horribly). Then He brought us back to His original will (Ben and I being husband and wife). In His mercy and grace He brought us back. Like the magnificent waterfall.
So, I guess I’m saying I think that this election will not come out like many Christians hope. God wants His plan for us, but then He also allows us to find our way there. We make many missteps, but in our stumbles He teaches the greatest lessons. I have felt all year like the Lord is bringing forth His true church, a beautiful collection of saints who desire to live out His heart. I’ve met a lot of people with that heart, but I think it may take a little refining fire to bring it out of others. I mean, we are all image-bearers. Some just resemble His image a little closer than others. I humbly admit, I am still working on my shine. I know it’s often times distorted.
I do know that this particular morning the Lord led me to pray for a man I would not have on my own. I’ll admit that. He also reminded me that His way of accomplishing something is beyond what I think or imagine. He let me know that the only way I’ll keep in step with His Will is by pressing in closely and cutting off the noise outside. So that’s my plan from here on out.
I’m aware this post will be met with a raised brow by some who read it, and many people will think I’m way off base. Perhaps I am. Thankfully, I don’t need to always be right, but I do know I’m listening, and that is what we all must do more of. I do know I’m praying when and for what He leads me to pray for, and I’m reading and holding to His Word. I don’t seek the approval of man. I’ll simply seek the space behind the waterfall. That’s where I meet my Father.
Wanda Malta says
Hello Brie…I can understand and see the possibility of what you have shared here. I do want President Trump to be re-elected. He has, for all his shortcomings, been strong enough to bring God back to the forefront in this country. However, our Lord can and will move in ways to bring us closer to Him. Mr. Trump losing this election could be the catalyst used.
The mean-spirited, hateful noise in our country drowns out God’s voice except for those who sincerely love Him and desire to have a close relationship with Him not only daily, but hourly. Also, those that had drawn closer to Him during the trials of 2020, now seem to place their faith, hope, and dreams upon a man instead of their Savior.
What’s really important here Brie, is for everyone to come to the place you described. The quiet place behind the waterfall. The place of peace, the place His voice can be heard and received by the listener. Even our President who has been attacked and attacks back in turn.
So thank you for doing as God asked and praying for President Trump. And thank you so much for your beautiful writing and sharing what’s in your heart. You’re gift touches us and does make a powerful difference. God bless you.
Wanda M.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for commenting and seeing my heart. I pray for Mr Trump (and every person who breathes, really) to have an enormous renewal and igniting of their personal relationship with the Lord. I pray we all find that deeper place in Him. Thank you again.
Patty says
Brie, I hear your heart in this. I too have had to listen humbly and throughout these months my only fervent prayer has been praying the Lord’s Prayer–“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…” I don’t understand or completely know God’s will, but I want to align with what God wants for us, for He knows His people better than I do. He knows what He wants to see accomplished on the earth. It’s very humbling to walk with God, because we don’t know–we only ‘see in part.’
Bless!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you for seeing my heart. May we all walk humbly.
Penni Bulten says
I can’t say whether you are right about the election or not, God does not usually give me prophetic words about the elections: he prefers to stick to personal words for me or my family when He does give a word. (OTOH, my husband believed Trump would be elected the first time and believes he will turn and be elected again, but he is not claiming this as a word from the Lord) However, humility and wisdom are two things we have been seeking ourselves. Though I’ll be praying for President Trump, unless something drastic happens, I’ll be voting third party. We will be praying for Former Vice President Biden and Senator Kamala Harris too, as well as Vice President Michael Pence, Senator Mitch McConnell and Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Regardless of who wins, I pray that justice is done, at least in the sense that the election is not stolen or handed to one party unjustly. Because neither party can be trusted with full power, I continue to pray that the Congress remains divided, and that the Supreme Court is not used as a ‘political football’ or ‘packed’.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
I agree with you in prayer ??