“After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever” (Daniel 4:34 NLT).

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:3–6 NLT).

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Have you ever longed to see a transformation of biblical proportions — to see a Saul go from murderer to missionary, or a Nebuchadnezzar regain his senses and praise the living God after having lost his mind, grown feathers, and eaten grass? If so, then you can join us in thanking the Holy One of Israel for what looks like a miraculous ongoing transformation in U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

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Fetterman, a Democrat who formerly boasted of his progressivism, is now demonstrating an astonishing boldness in breaking ranks with his liberal cohorts to speak out for what he believes is right. For this, he is garnering praise from conservatives and censure from many in his own party.

Last fall, a profound shift began to show in this idiosyncratically unorthodox politician. That change manifested itself most remarkably just after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas murdered at least 1,200 citizens and kidnapped roughly 200 women, children, and older people. Fetterman has staunchly stood up for Israel’s right to defend itself and to uproot Hamas and every security threat in Gaza.

Too Soon for a Gaza Ceasefire

Fetterman has refused to demand any pause in the Israeli war effort, despite some aggressive pressure from politically progressive Democrat Party members. “We can talk about a ceasefire after Hamas is neutralized,” Fetterman said in a statement on his Senate webpage.

“I grieve for every innocent person and brave Israeli soldier killed since Hamas started this war. Now is not the time to talk about a ceasefire. Hamas does not want peace; they want to destroy Israel.” During Hanukkah last year, Fetterman visited the Tree of Life synagogue, in Pittsburgh, which had been the target of a terrorist shooting in 2018, and he reaffirmed his support for Israel.

On Jan. 24, 2024, an overwhelming majority of Democrats in the Senate voted in favor of Sen. Brian Schatz’s statement reiterating U.S. support for a “two-state solution” to resolve Israel’s war with Hamas — which some have dubbed the “Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” The statement was part of an amendment to a bill providing national security to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel will not agree to any two-state deal that does not ensure Israel’s ongoing security. Fetterman will not agree to any such two-state “solution” either, and he joined fellow Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin in refusing to sign onto that amendment.

Hamas Must Go, Illegal Border Crossings Must Stop

In clarifying remarks, Fetterman has said he could support a two-state solution — once Hamas is destroyed. He denounces any naivete regarding the stated aim of the Palestinian Authority — which is to drive Israel from the land.

Beyond the Israel issues, Fetterman has insisted that immigration and border issues must be addressed. He has called attention to the overwhelming numbers of illegal immigrants crossing the border daily — and this even as he acknowledges that his own wife, Gisele, was brought to America as a child illegally. This is a most unpopular stance among progressives, who want an open border.

Fetterman’s highly independent-minded approach has hardly escaped notice. Some express appreciation for what they consider to be his refreshingly nonpartisan viewpoints. USA Today columnist Ingrid Jacques says: “I don’t think Senator John Fetterman is actually a newly minted conservative. He is not afraid, however, to speak up for what he thinks is right, even if that means bucking the progressive mantra. As both parties marched toward extremes, that’s an example more leaders on the left and right must embrace.”

From Mayor to Lieutenant Governor to Junior Senator

Fetterman began his political career in 2005, as mayor of Braddock, Pa., an economically challenged city in which Fetterman “fought for Pennsylvania’s forgotten communities which are left behind.” In 2013, he became Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor, and he turned the job into something of a bully pulpit for such progressive liberal causes as legalized marijuana, LGBTQ+ issues, and criminal-justice reform.

Serious Health Problems

In May 2022, after declaring his intention to run for the U.S. Senate, Fetterman suffered a stroke that almost took his life. He refused to drop out of the race, however, and spent much of his campaign in recovery. He was elected the junior senator from Pennsylvania and was sworn in on Jan. 3, 2023. Press reports after his victory described him as “suffering from auditory processing disorder,” a common side effect for those who suffer a stroke. The disorder leaves people unable to speak clearly or to process speech quickly. These effects were evident in Fetterman’s performance during the campaign debates.

In February 2023, a month after taking office, Fetterman was hospitalized after feeling lightheaded while on a Democrat retreat. Then he was rehospitalized for depression shortly thereafter. Politicians and intercessors alike began praying for a replacement, as Fetterman seemed unable and unlikely to fulfill his official duties. He was discharged from the hospital after 44 days. He encouraged fellow sufferers of depression by saying: “For now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable, and treatment works. This isn’t about politics — right now there are people who are suffering with depression in red counties and blue counties. If you need help, please get help.”

Soon after this, the Senate considered changing its rules of decorum to accommodate Fetterman’s unconventional clothing choices. But some people found it difficult to take the man seriously: “We would pray for him when he would buck the system with his outlandish hoodie and shorts outfits — which were nothing new to us, since this was his garb throughout his career,” said Betsy West, IFA Pennsylvania state prayer leader. “We were, frankly, embarrassed to have him as our senator.”

God’s Ways Are Greater Than Our Own

But God spoke to Betsy and to many other Pennsylvania intercessors, telling them that their prayers were too small and reminding them that He is a merciful, miracle-working God who wants to do more than we can ever ask or imagine. The intercessors then began praying bold prayers for Fetterman. They entreated God to call him out of darkness and fully into the light of His truth, even to the point of asking for a Saul-to-Paul conversion experience. And then they acted on those prayers, phoning Fetterman’s D.C. office and speaking to his staff, writing letters, and sending emails. They told the staff that they were praying for Fetterman’s healing and recovery. “His staff was always gracious and thanked us for our prayers,” said Betsy.

As intercessors for our nation, we want to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in carefully assessing the actions and motives of the politicians who serve us. It’s unlikely that Fetterman has suddenly “changed his spots” and become a conservative overnight, but the boldness and candor with which he has supported Israel, to the point of bucking the party lines, is astounding and encouraging. How, then, must we proceed?

God’s ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts. Fetterman is a precious creation made in God’s image and with a God-given destiny. Betsy provides wisdom and insight about what God may be doing with Pennsylvania’s most well-known politician: “At the [IFA] 50th anniversary in November, a lightbulb went off in my spirit! When we mentioned our Senator John Fetterman, everyone knew who he was; they would chuckle, but they knew him. The Holy Spirit gave us a nudge and affirmed that when His miracle [change] would manifest, it would resonate from coast to coast. The nation knows John Fetterman, and when he is fully restored, physically, mentally, and spiritually, it will be undeniable!”

Could it be that this amazing Fetterman shift is but the beginning of a total transformation? Let’s pray that it keeps going!

Father, please continue to bring John Fetterman out of the darkness and all the way into the marvelous light of Your salvation. As he has blessed Your people Israel, pour out Your blessing upon Him; heal any residual effects of his stroke, and keep revealing truth to him regarding Jesus the Messiah. Make him everything You’ve created him to be. Thank You for the good work You have begun in him, and for completing it in Your time, in Your way, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Share below your heartfelt prayers for Sen. Fetterman and other government officials.

Lori Meed is a leader on IFA’s Headline Prayer Live and an IFA contributing writer. In 2004, God moved her family from Canada to the U.S., imparting to them His heart for this country and for revival. Having walked out her own journey of freedom after being radically born again in 1992, Lori has a heart to see others set free to walk fully in their destiny. She is also passionate about teaching on aliyah (“going up,” the return of the Jews to the land of Israel), the feasts of the Lord, and the rich connections of the gentile churches to Israel. Photo Credit: Governor Tom Wolf from Harrisburg, PA – 2019 Inauguration of Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons.