In this new Year of Our Lord 2017, I am filled with a renewed sense of optimism and hope for my family, my country and, indeed, for the world.

The election of soon-to-be-President Donald Trump changed everything for me. And I truly believe that his election victory, in the face of overwhelming odds to the contrary, was an act of God. I am in full agreement with Franklin Graham: It wasn’t Russians who intervened in election, ‘it was God.’ (click here.)

Prior to the election, Franklin Graham was careful not to endorse a specific candidate, but he did call on Americans to pray our country, and he was clear as to what was at stake during his “Decision America Tour 2016” (click here) in which he gathered believers together to pray in all our capital cities.

So why am I optimistic and hopeful? Because:

• I believe that the people of God have a wide open window of opportunity to shine the Light of Christ into all the dark corners of our world.
• I believe that God has lifted his hand of judgement on America to give us time to repent of our sins (specifically, our national shame of abortion) and return to being “One Nation Under God.”
• I believe that my eight grandchildren have an opportunity for a better future, a rising “American” tide will lift all boats.
• I believe that America has the opportunity to re-make itself into a great 21st century nation based on the values of freedom, innovation and hard work.
• I believe that the world has the opportunity to be safer and more prosperous as America forges new alliances with friends to combat terror and promote common interests among democratic nations.

So, where do we go from here? I commend to you Franklin Graham’s “After the Election: Five Biblical Reminders.”  (Please click here to read entire article.)

In summary, they are:

1. Remember the truth – How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!
   His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. (Daniel 4:3, ESV)
2. Start at home – Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
3. Pray for the new president and all elected leaders – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings 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. (1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV)
4. Start looking for godly people to run for office – Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! (Psalm 33:12, ESV)
5. Take a stand – And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31, ESV)

A few years ago, Billy Graham remarked:

What a moment to take the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other and watch the unfolding of the great drama of the ages. This is an exciting and thrilling time to be alive. I would not want to live in any other period.