The Importance of a God-Fearing Leader

I might be going out on a limb with this one, but stick with me.

Scripture: So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived. Exodus 10:22-23

Observation: Pharaoh has once again denied the Israelites passage out of Egypt; therefore God has brought an impenetrable darkness upon the people, a darkness so thick they were confined to their very homes. I'm seeing here in Exodus just how much effect a leader of a nation or people has on those he governs. Yes, Egypt was a pagan nation who had turned against God, even in the times of Abraham. But we're on plague #10 now - surely, surely, there are those in Egypt who have seen the error of their ways in turning against the God of the Hebrews. We're told in chapter 8 that even the magicians recognized the hand of God in the plagues!

Application: My response to this is two-fold. One the one hand, it doesn't set well with me. We're seeing by Pharaoh's example that even if the unrighteous turn and acknowledge God, a stubborn, prideful, evil leader can still cause tribulation for the people. On the other hand, we have the hope that despite the darkness brought on by others, we will continue to have light in our lives as servants of the Most High God. How important is this to our country today, especially on the cusp of an election? How important is it that we elect a man who properly fears and honors God with his life and will do so with our nation? Do we even have such a candidate? My heart is full of sorrow for where our country might be headed. This very concept makes it even more timely that we share the Good News of Christ with everyone we can. I firmly believe our country is headed for dark times. We need to get out the word about the TRUE Light before it's too late.

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, forgive us for turning our backs to you. Lord I intercede for the people of our nation. What a selfish bunch we are, cheating on you every single day in the name of freedom of expression, not realizing that YOU are the author of freedom. I pray God for this year's election and for the man who steps in to govern us. Father I pray he will serve as a steward of your people. Lord I pray if he isn't devoted to you now God that you would step in and change his life and heart. I pray God that we become a society that rejects the praise of men and desire only to hear praise from You. Strengthen my faith Lord for I feel this is a tall order. Erase my doubts, remind me that all is possible in You, and give me a vision for what you can do for our nation. Strengthen me so that I may be encouraged to pray for our country and our people.