Look to God for the strength to transcend divisions and build a more just America: Kasich
In our deepest, darkest hour, let us call on the power of God to give us, His people, some of the needed confidence, strength and fuel to accomplish good.
Sometimes in America it feels like the idea of God has become old-fashioned. In some circles, the idea that God can intervene in man’s affairs for good seems almost preposterous. This troubles me, but I believe this erosion in faith has come about for many reasons.
As I look across the landscape of our country and see the deep division among our political leaders that has now spread like a disease to the division among our friends, our families and our neighbors, I am reminded that all great and lasting change comes from the bottom up. In the passage of our civil rights laws, for example, or the growing call to protect our environment, we see very clearly that movements happen when the people rise with a clear, strong voice and make themselves heard, motivating our leaders to do the things that can benefit all of us.
Unity is a dwindling resource
And yet the divisions now facing our country threaten to disrupt what makes our country great, and it’s gotten to where many caring, thinking Americans are worried about our shared future. How do begin to make repairs to the fabric of our nation? Well, unity of purpose is needed, and it seems to be a dwindling resource.
Many of our great leaders, here at home and throughout the world, have seen fit to call on the power of God to intervene in the affairs of men or to inspire us to listen to our better angels. Consider the words of Abraham Lincoln, speaking to Congress in 1861: “…having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.” Consider, too, these words from Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936: “No greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of religion — a revival that would sweep through the homes of the Nation and stir the hearts of men and women of all faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to His will for themselves and for their world.”
I have come to the conclusion that it is now unlikely for just one person to be able to rise and create the vision and provide the leadership we need in this country to unify us, to help our political leaders find common ground and our friends and neighbors find a common cause. It seems as though whenever anyone can get their head above water, and rise for a good purpose, we find a way to knock them down. I still believe that individual leaders who have certain gifts that originated from our creator can bring about great change, but I also believe that today’s leaders need to be bound to a team who can join together to create a real transformation.
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Throughout history, whenever man has cast God aside and thought that he could figure it all out without His direction or spirit, things clearly have not worked out. Just examine the chaotic and destructive French revolution, or the rise of Marxism during the Bolshevik revolution, which made every effort to eliminate God. When I think of where we are in this country, and where we might be headed, I know in my heart that we must call on the power of God for good, and trust in the ability of God to intervene in the affairs of man and bring about a more united, more hopeful and more just society.
Call on God for strength and fuel
Some people will read these words and reject them out of hand. I get that. After all, where was God when this crisis or that crisis occurred? I cannot explain why God chooses to intervene — that’s beyond my pay grade. However, scripture tells us that all things work to the good for those who love God, even if it seems impossible at the time.
In our deepest, darkest hour, let us call on the power of God to give us, His people, some of the needed confidence, strength and fuel to accomplish good. Let us look to this passage from the Old Testament for affirmation, from 1 Chronicles 14:10: “And David inquired of God, Saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? And wilt thou deliver them into mine hand?’ And the LORD said unto him, ‘Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.’”
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Look, maybe you don’t agree with me on this, but in these troubled times when we don’t see a solution in front of us, why don’t you at least consider what I have to say?
As for me, I will continue to pray and ask God to bring a special blessing upon our country, and to empower all of us to have the strength and the courage to overcome the many obstacles that keep us from uniting our country and delivering justice, equality, passion and hope. I hope you’ll join me.
Republican John Kasich, a senior political contributor for CNN and a former presidential candidate, was governor of Ohio for two terms and a House member for 18 years. His books include "It's Up to Us: Ten Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change." Follow him on Twitter: @JohnKasich
