In the third and final article of this series, Karen Vercruse challenges believers to consider running for office, and shares practical tips on how to pray and take action in the governmental realm as an intercessor.

The Holy Spirit may be nudging you to take action in the governmental realm. The Lord may be using all of your life experience to bring you to such a time as this. He may be waiting for you to surrender to Him for His glory in government involvement at some level. Ask Him. He will show you (John 16: 13). Take a risk when sensing His prompting, and He will be faithful to walk with you, to guard, guide, and provide for you – no matter what the outcome (Philippians 4:19).

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In my personal experience, at every level of involvement in the political/governmental arena, I kept a running dialogue in prayer with the Lord, and by the Holy Spirit. I listened for His still, small voice in a number of ways: through His Word; in corporate prayer; through confirmation of two or three witnesses; through divine appointments; praying “on site with insight”; seeking Godly counsel; asking Him for His wisdom and His answers to problem-solving (using His ways, and not the ways of the world). This requires continually checking our heart’s attitudes, motivations, and intents. It requires true repentance for our sins and misdoings when we “miss it” and make mistakes as we move through the political process.

In my own journey of involvement in the political realm, I kept hearing one thing when pressure was building, and the enemy wanted to come in like a flood. I heard, “GO LOW” over and over again (see James 4:10). It reminded me to stop, step back, and seek to see from His perspective. I knew the Lord wanted me to avoid being caught up in a whirlwind of events and circumstances, or moving forward without waiting on Him (Ephesians 2: 6).

One memorable example of my “knowing” what to do was when I first decided to run for office. I had been active in my community for a number of years, and knew those who were called the “movers and shakers” in politics, government, and policy. Some of those people began to encourage me to run. It was an idea that I had entertained from time to time, especially as I watched, often with frustration, at the need for leadership. I had helped others get elected, and was gratified by the big differences they had made in office.

I was prepared to continue in a supporting role as I saw opportunity. But as I seriously considered whether I should run or not, there seemed to be a convergence of timing, opportunity, confirmation, recognition, and support in that particular season (Esther 4: 14). I needed to hear from God. I devoted a lot of time doing all those things I mentioned above.

Finally, it seemed that the Lord was waiting for my final commitment to be “all in.” I found myself parked alone in front of the county administration building. I had completed all the paper work to file to run for County Supervisor. The time was 4:45 on the last afternoon of the deadline to file. I prayed, “Lord, I don’t want to do this if you are not in it” (Exodus 33: 15). I had looked for signs – red flags or green lights – that would guide me. In that moment, God was silent. I knew He was waiting for me. It was my choice. I filed, and the race was on. It was hard-fought on both sides, and hard-won. I did what I knew to rise above circumstances, and stay close to Him. In the end, I found His favor and blessing to be elected.

Though each journey is different, if God is calling you to step into the governmental realm and serve in some capacity, trust Him. He may have been preparing you all along for this very moment. Ambassadors of God’s kingdom are sorely needed in the political sphere. Could you be one of them?

Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Click HERE to receive our NEW Prayer Guide for Intercessory Activism – Includes key scriptures, prayer points, and practical suggestions for those getting more involved in their local government.